Bananas can be propagated in two different ways. You grow ornamental plants with the help of seeds. All banana trees grow splendidly by obtaining cuttings.
How can you grow bananas yourself?
Bananas can be propagated by seeds (ornamental bananas only) or cuttings. Soak seeds, germinate at 25°C in a peat-sand mixture or coconut fiber and keep moist. You can get offshoots by separating off the children when repotting and planting in potting soil.
Growing via seeds
Special banana seeds are available commercially. Only the ornamental banana can be grown in this way. After special processing of the seeds, some of which are very large, you can place them in a cultivation container. If provided with sufficient warmth and moisture, they will germinate within a few weeks. By placing a plastic bag over the growing tray you can ensure that the soil is always moist.
After small roots can be seen, they are moved to small plant pots. A special potting soil promotes the growth of the tropical banana tree. In addition, the plants need sufficient light and heat.
Tip:
- Soak seeds for 24 hours beforehand
- Room temperature: at least 25 degrees Celsius
- ideal soil: mixture of peat and sand, alternatively coconut fiber can be added
- keep constantly moist
Winning offshoots
During repotting (every 1 to 2 years), small offshoots can be separated without any additional effort. Botanists call these Kindel. Carefully cut these off from the root ball of the mother plant. Offshoots feel comfortable in small flower pots.
Kindel should always be removed when repotting. Due to their high energy consumption, they require plenty of energy from the mother plant. As a result, this often stops growing. Accordingly, early spring, directly after the winter break, is the best time to obtain offshoots. From April the banana tree begins to grow vigorously. Flowers and fruits form on older specimens.
Tip:
- plant individually
- use special potting soil
- normal care
Tips & Tricks
Some banana trees like to spend the summer in their home garden. It should be noted that many varieties cannot withstand the harsh winters of Central Europe. Special measures are recommended.
