Hedonisia Hawaii Tropical Educational Botanical Farm
Edible Plant Inventory
"Bananas"

Name of Plant: Bananas

Country of Origin: Edible bananas originated in the Indo-Malaysian region reaching to northern Australia.

Uses: Bananas can be eaten an assortment of ways. For example, in fruit salad, cereal, fruit kabob, can be used in many recipes that require baking, or simply alone.

Growing Tips: Bananas and plantains are today grown in every humid tropical region and constitutes the 4th largest fruit crop of the world. The plant needs 10 - 15 months of frost-free conditions to produce a flower stalk. All but the hardiest varieties stop growing when the temperature drops below 53° F. Growth of the plant begins to slow down at about 80° F and stop entirely when the temperature reaches 100° F. High temperatures and bright sunlight will also scorch leaves and fruit, although bananas grow best in full sun. Bananas require as much warmth as can be given them. Additional warmth can be given by planting next to a building.

Harvest Time: Stalks of bananas are usually formed in the late summer and then winter over. In March they begin "plumping up" and may ripen in April. The fruit can be harvested by cutting the stalk when the bananas are plump but green. For tree-ripened fruit, cut one hand at a time as it ripens.

Location on Property: Garden B, Garden M