Pink Banana Plant (Musa ornata) 5 seeds

Pink Banana Plant - Musa ornata - 5 seeds

Banana plants are one of the first trees that come to mind when we imagine the tropics. However, did you know that it's not actually a tree? It's in fact the largest herb in the world!

No matter how big your garden is, a banana plant will suit every one! Even though most species thrive rather in warmer climates, there are also those that are frost-resistant! Banana plants can also be successfully grown in conservatories and indoors!

This ornamental garden plant originates from India, Bangladesh and Myanmar (Burma). It grows to a height of approximately 3 m. The Pink Banana Plant is called so because its flowers are bright pastel pink. The leaves have a robust central rib and are grey-green to green, elongated and 1.8 m long. The fruits are edible, but due to the large number of seeds they are not suitable for consumption. This banana plant is interesting primarily for its flower, which is very atypical and majestic.

How to grow banana plants

• Banana plants are not demanding to grow. They thrive in ordinary garden soil that is well-drained and rich in nutrients. They require a sheltered, sunny location. Keep the soil moist, not waterlogged. Especially during winter months there is a risk that the roots will rot due to moisture. For overwintering, the banana plant needs a temperature of 10-20 °C. When growing in the garden, cover the banana plant with a tarp or mulch. Before winter, cut back the leaves - they will grow back in spring.

• The seed coat must be disrupted before sowing itself, preferably by grinding (scarification). Then place them in warm water for at least 48 hours. Sow seeds to a depth of 2 cm. They will germinate in approximately 1 month at a constant temperature of 23-25 °C.

• The growing substrate should be heavier with a high proportion of organic matter. Ideally with decomposed farmyard manure content, yet permeable. It's therefore suitable to mix it with sand and peat. The optimal pH value is 7. Banana plants do not tolerate salinity.

• For rapid growth, we recommend fertilizing approximately mid-spring with fast-dissolving nitrogen-based fertilizers. Also regularly fertilize with potassium.

• Banana plants do not suffer from diseases or pests that would threaten them in our conditions. However, be careful that the plants are not in permanently wet soil. Especially during winter months there is a risk of root rot and associated plant death.

Photo sources:
By Meneerke bloem - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8559703
By Raffi Kojian - http://Gardenology.org, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14651056