Bananas are possibly one of the most iconic fruits out there. From slipping on banana peels to using them as pretend telephones to replacing sexual education props in high school, bananas are everywhere in our pop culture. They’re also a phenomenal snack, and a great base for smoothies and baking recipes.
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to grow your own bananas? Most people think bananas are “exotic” fruits that can only be grown abroad, but that’s far from the truth!
In fact, with the right dedication and patience, growing banana trees isn’t difficult at all. Keep reading to learn all about how to grow this iconic fruit yourself!
Planting Banana Trees
The first step towards growing your own banana trees is, of course, planting one!
This guide will take you through the five essential steps to planting a banana tree, starting with understanding that banana trees aren’t actually even trees! Curious? Read to find out more!
Caring for Banana Trees
Though you might think that the hard part is over, there’s still some work to do before you can start planning your banana bread.
The Complete Banana Tree Care Guide
But because banana trees aren’t technically trees (they’re part of the herb family!) doesn’t mean they don’t need proper care. Read my guide to learn more about banana plants and how to best care for them.
In addition to reviewing similar materials to the post above, this guide also dives into banana characteristics and vocabulary. Plus, learn how to store your harvest for future enjoyment.
How Long Does it Take to Grow a Banana Tree?
Now that you’ve decided to grow your own banana tree, you might be wondering exactly what sort of commitment you’ve gotten yourself into. The answer is that it depends on the banana variety, and the care you provide it. Read my post to find out more!
Just because you don’t live somewhere tropical, doesn’t mean you can’t grow your own banana tree. Just grow it indoors!
Did you know that in addition to not actually being trees, banana plants also produce flowers? I bet you don’t think of that every time you’re snacking on a banana! Learn all about the banana tree flowering stages in my post.
One of the best banana tree care tips I can give you is to make sure you’re growing your banana tree in high-quality soil. That means using good fertilizer brands with a reputation of happy customers! Check out my list of best banana tree fertilizers, or take a look at my top three here:
Since a banana tree isn’t actually a tree, learning to prune it isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Learn all the ins and outs with my five-step pruning guide.
Another fact you might not know about bananas is that you harvest them when they’re green, not yellow! Learn why and all my other tips for harvesting bananas in this comprehensive post.
This handy guide will help protect your banana tree from the cold, whether it’s planted in-ground or in a pot!
Bananas in the Kitchen
Now, for my favorite part! Not only are bananas delicious, but they are star players in many recipes, and are even healthy for you.
Health Benefits Of Bananas
Let’s take a look at what’s going on beneath that yellow peel, and why it’s good for your body
How To Freeze Bananas For Long-Term Use
Sometimes you just don’t have time to use up your bananas before they go bad! Then what? If you know how to freeze them, it doesn’t have to be a problem!
Refreshing Peanut Butter, Banana Icebox Pie
Though bananas are probably not the first fruit you reach for after a hot day in the sun, they perform amazingly well in this cold desert. Learn how to make it for yourself!
Banana Varieties
Just like other fruits, there are many different banana varieties out there. Take a look at some of the ones I’ve highlighted in their own posts:
Apple Banana Tree
Blue Java Banana Tree
Cavendish Banana Tree
Dwarf Banana Tree
Grand Nain Banana Tree
Japanese Banana Tree
Lady Finger Banana Tree
Musa Basjoo Banana Tree
Red Banana Tree
Variegated Banana Tree
Banana FAQs
Can I grow a banana tree at home?
Yes, you can! And if you don’t have enough space outdoors, you can even grow it in a container, indoors. Check out my growing banana trees posts for more guidance.
Where can I buy banana trees?
Banana trees are easier to find than you might imagine! If you want to shop in person, I suggest visiting your local nursery. You can even call ahead to ask if they have banana plants, to save yourself the trip in case they suggest you check elsewhere.
If you don’t have time to go shopping in person, the good news is that banana trees are also available online! Buy dwarf banana trees for your indoor spaces, or purchase a regular banana tree for your garden!
Are bananas healthy for you?
You bet they are! Bananas are great for weightloss, and might even improve your heart health and contribute to cancer prevention. Check out my section on bananas in the kitchen for more details.
Can my pets eat bananas?
Drum roll please…. the answer is that dogs and cats can, indeed, eat bananas. Both the banana fruit and its peel are non-toxic to dogs and cats, so bananas can make for a great snack. The peel, however, is harder to digest and so might give them some digestive issues. Stick to the banana fruit!
To learn more about the details, check out Can Dogs Eat Bananas? and Can Cats Eat Bananas?
Grow Your Own Bananas!
Growing your own bananas might seem like an unusual hobby, but it’s actually easy and incredibly rewarding.
If you liked the content on this page, bookmark it and check back often for guidance on your banana-growing journey. In the meantime, start learning about other great fruits:
