A little Indian banana tree is not exactly cheap to buy. It is therefore even more important that it roots and grows well. Then the purchase was worth it. But he will only have a happy existence in the garden if the planting goes optimally.
How to plant an Indian banana in the garden?
To successfully plant an Indian banana in the garden, you should choose the right self-pollinating variety, choose a sunny location, optimize the soil and plant in autumn or spring. When planting in a container, a large container with sufficient drainage holes should be used.
Get a tree
If you want to plant an Indian banana in the garden, you can start growing an Indian banana yourself from seeds well before planting. Root pieces can also be used for propagation.
Purchasing is less work-intensive (€59.00 on Amazon). There are numerous varieties available on the market. Before planting, remember that very few varieties are self-pollinating and rely on a second tree.
Tip
Two self-pollinating varieties and good cross-pollinators are the Sunflower and Prima varieties.
Select location
The Indian banana is hardy enough to stay in the garden permanently. In the first 2-3 years of life, the preference for partial shade still predominates. But then the tree needs sun and light every year during the growing season. Especially if it is supposed to bear lots of aromatic fruit.
You can plant commercially available perennial trees immediately in a sunny spot. If you have grown small trees yourself, you should delay planting them. For the first few years it can be kept in a shady place with a pot. The alternative would be transplanting, which its long taproot doesn't tolerate well.
Optimize soil
An Indian banana does not have high demands on the soil. It just shouldn't be too calcareous, as she may suffer from chlorosis at the beginning. A pH value of 5.5 to 7 is ideal. The water balance also has to be right. Therefore, very clayey soils should be loosened with sand and sandy soils should be enriched with compost. This optimizes their storage capacity. Because both waterlogging and dryness are undesirable.
Best planting time
Indian bananas are delivered as container goods. This enables year-round planting. However, there are periods that are clearly to be favored:
- plant in autumn or spring
- alternatively in late spring or summer
- Watering needs to be done more frequently in the warmer months
Planting instructions
- Dig a sufficiently deep planting hole.
- Enrich the excavation with compost.
- Take the tree out of the container and loosen its roots with your hands.
- Pinch back the roots a little. Remove all dead parts.
- Place the tree in the prepared planting hole and fill the gaps with soil.
- Water the tree well.
pot planting
An Indian banana can also be planted in a container. However, it remains a little smaller.
- select large vessel
- with enough drainage holes
- Use potted plant soil
- at the bottom there is a drainage layer made of gravel or expanded clay
