Banana Tree In Flower

Our Banana Tree has been enjoying our new tropical climate and has not only grown an entirely new tree (shoot) it is flowering and preparing to provide its first harvest of fruit. We planted Mint around the base of the original banana tree as a companion plant and it has not only overrun the grass around the base of the tree it also gives off a lovely aroma when we visit our Musa friend.

The large brown collection of leaves is the banana heart which has numerous hands (which become the fruit). We will post more images as they mature and become ready to harvest and feast upon.

Banana Tree: A new offshoot

Well our solo Banana Tree has begun creating its own community with a new asexually produced cultivar offshoot sibling. Banana Trees are not actually trees... they are stems shooting up from underground roots or corns. Our banana tree is a Ladyfinger which is a favourite with the adults but not so popular with the kids. I'm sure they'll learn to love them.

Banana Tree - New Growth

Well our banana tree has struggled through the heatwave we experienced at the start of the year. We faithfully kept its water up though and it has persevered. The little bit of rain that has fallen recently has drenched the soil all around and has given it a new burst of growth so hopefully the rains will continue and help it get better established.

Jayson

Banana Tree: A New Home

Here is our new banana tree in its new home. It is well sheltered in the corner between the potting shed and the chook shed with the passionfruit vine giving some welcome shade in the afternoon. This one is a lady finger banana tree which has small, very tasty fruits. It is wind and disease resistant. They can reach heights of up to 16’ and send out shoots to create new trees so can quickly turn into a grove. We have several well sheltered spots picked out around the property for new trees as they emerge. We also intend to get a Cavendish at some stage as well.

Jayson

Banana Tree: A New Arrival

Welcome to our newest addition - a Banana Tree!

Thanks to friends we have a new Banana Tree for our growing edible gardens. Now bananas like a warm climate so we are hoping that the odd frost we get won't kill it.

Banana grows in a wide variety of soils, as long as the soil is deep and has good internal and surface drainage. The effect of poorly drained soils can be partly overcome by planting in raised beds, as the plant does not tolerate poor drainage or flooding. Hence we are planting this fellow on a raised bed behind the chicken coop, next to the main shed.

The planting site hase been chosen for protection from wind and cold weather and excessive heat as well. I will post pics once we have planted it to show the alcove we hope to soon reap rewards from.

Jayson