How to Grow Ornamental Bananas
- 1). Plant ornamental banana plants in a well-drained bed that contains rich soil. Choose a location that receives four to eight hours of direct sunlight a day.
- 2). Water the banana once weekly when the plant is actively growing. Provide approximately 1 inch of water each week, or enough to moisten the top 8 inches of the bed. In subtropical areas, bananas may require year-round irrigation.
- 3). Fertilize bananas in every in spring, early summer and mid- to late-summer. Apply an 8-2-12 blend fertilizer at the package recommended rate for the size of your banana plant. Use a slow-release fertilizer, as these provide nutrients to the plants for two to three months.
- 4). Cut back hardy banana varieties in fall before the first frost. Cut the banana back to 8 to 10 inches above the soil level. Dispose of the trimmed away banana parts.
- 5). Cover the trunk stump with mulch. Use pine straw or bark nuggets. Place a layer of mesh screening over the top of light mulches, such as straw, so they don't blow away from the trunk during winter. Remove the mulch in spring after frost danger is past.
