🍌 Banana: Growing Guide
Banana (Musa) grows best in full sun with plenty of water, and does well at 10–40 °C (50–104 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Space plants about 200 cm (79 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Musa |
|---|---|
| Category | Exotic |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | High |
| Plant spacing | 200 cm (79 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 10–40 °C (50–104 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Height | 200–400 cm (79–157 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Tropical | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
Watering
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 5 days in winter. Needs plenty of water regularly.
Growing tips
Cavendish (commercial) and Dwarf Cavendish (for pots). Needs wind protection.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Banana: when should I sow and plant it?
Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jul–Aug. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
Banana: how often should I water it?
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 5 days in winter. Needs plenty of water regularly.
Banana: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 200 cm (79 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 20 cm (7.9 in).
Banana: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Banana: which plants grow well with it?
Pineapple, Papaya.
Banana: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Panama Disease, Sigatoka.
Plan your garden
Add Banana to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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