Cathy Isom gives you a few of the particulars about a popular tropical fruit you can grow at home. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
Growing heat loving or tropical plants is possible in containers. And one plant that works best is the Banana Tree. Bananas technically aren’t trees, but herbaceous perennials. They come in a number of different forms, including dwarf and ornamental varieties.
If you’re more interested in the plant’s leaves than the fruit, the Bloodleaf variety—a red-leaved plant—is ideal for container growing. As it grows, Bloodleaf fills the space with gorgeous, variegated red and green leaves.
If you live in a warm or tropical climate, you’ll be able to place your banana tree outside during the summer months. Gardeners in USDA zones 9-11, will need to shade the trees on the hottest summer afternoons, particularly when the plant is young. In cooler climates, you’ll enjoy more success by growing your banana tree inside.
Growing banana trees from seed is possible, but can be difficult and time consuming. It’s also unsuitable for container gardening, as these plants will often become overly large. Their fruit can also be difficult to get to, and unlike the varieties you buy in the shops, will contain seeds.
Most people learn how to grow a banana tree primarily as a decorative plant. However, if you’re lucky, they’ll bear fruit in time.
I’m Cathy Isom…