Banana plants have long been a favorite of gardeners in temperate climates but many banana cultivars are much more cold hardy than you might think. We offer banana trees that are cold hardy north of USDA hardiness zone 7. But even if you are in a more chilly part of the world, you can still enjoy an ornamental banana leaf plant in a container. Just be aware that banana plants can grow large very quickly so start big and re-pot every 3 years.
Adding a banana plant to your garden or outdoor space can provide many benefits. Not only do these plants have large, lush leaves that add a tropical vibe, but they also produce the sweet, delicious fruit that we all love. If you’ve decided to add a banana plant to your backyard, you may be wondering where is the best place to purchase one. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top sources for buying a healthy, productive banana plant.
Check Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
One of the most convenient places to buy a banana plant is your local nursery or garden center. These retailers typically carry a wide variety of plants including many varieties of banana plants. Purchasing locally allows you to inspect the plants in person to ensure you pick a healthy high-quality specimen. Knowledgeable staff at nurseries can also provide useful care tips and recommendations for selecting the right variety for your climate and growing conditions. Plus, shopping at local nurseries supports small businesses in your community.
When visiting local nurseries look for plants with no signs of pests diseases, or damage. Check that the roots are not pot-bound. Consider the plant’s size and maturity. Banana plants grow quite large, so make sure your space can accommodate the full grown size of that variety.
Purchase from Reputable Online Retailers
If your local garden centers don’t have the banana variety you want, online plant retailers provide a convenient way to have plants shipped directly to your door. Many specialize in tropical plants like banana trees. Online shopping allows you to choose from a wider selection of varieties, including hard-to-find and unique banana cultivars.
When buying plants online, research the retailer thoroughly and read customer reviews before purchasing. Choose companies with strong guarantees and generous return policies in case the plant arrives damaged or diseased. Factor in shipping costs and transit times so the plant doesn’t sit too long. Select expedited shipping if possible.
Visit Local Farmers Markets
For locally grown, fresh banana plants, check your farmers markets. Many vendors sell banana suckers and plants cultivated right in your climate. This allows you to buy varieties adapted to perform well in your specific region. Speaking to growers gives you the chance to learn more about the banana’s care and growing habits. Buying from local farmers supports agriculture in your community.
Inspect plants for disease-free foliage and healthy root systems. Confirm the variety and projected size at maturity. Farmers markets are a great source for organic, unique, or heirloom banana tree varieties you won’t find at major retailers.
Check Out Fruit Tree Nurseries
For the widest selection of banana trees, visit local fruit tree nurseries or tropical plant specialists. These nurseries focus on selling high-quality fruit and ornamental trees suitable for your growing zone. You’ll find many different banana cultivars to choose from. Staff can provide expert guidance to help select disease-resistant, productive varieties tailored for your needs.
Discuss your climate, available space, and preferences with nursery staff to select the ideal banana plant for your situation. Inspect root quality, leaf health, and overall vigor. Ask about the banana variety’s mature height and width to ensure it fits your garden.
What to Look for When Buying a Banana Plant
When searching for a banana plant, keep these tips in mind:
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Choose a variety suited for your climate. Bananas need tropical conditions.
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Pick a size that fits your space when fully grown. Standard varieties reach 15-35 feet tall.
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Select a healthy plant with no leaf damage, discoloration or pests.
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Check for a robust root system. Avoid root-bound or pot-bound plants.
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Buy from reputable suppliers with strong plant health guarantees.
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Consider mature height and width for proper placement in your landscape.
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Look for varieties known to be productive and disease-resistant.
Important Banana Plant Care Tips
Caring properly for your new banana plant will ensure it thrives:
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Site in full sun with shelter from wind. Provide at least 6 hours direct sunlight daily.
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Bananas thrive in humid conditions. Mist leaves or grow near water.
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Rich, well-draining soil amended with compost is ideal. Improve drainage in clay soil before planting.
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Water 1-2 inches weekly. Increase frequency in heat and drought.
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Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
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Protect plants from frost and freeze. Move containerized plants indoors if needed.
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Remove dead leaves and prune suckers to focus growth. Cut back stems killed by cold.
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Support maturing bunches with sturdy stakes to prevent toppling.
Finding a healthy, robust banana plant from a reputable supplier sets you up for success. Then proper siting, planting, and care will keep your banana plant thriving in your garden for years to come. The sweet tropical harvest of homegrown bananas is worth the search for the perfect plant!
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Banana plants have long been a favorite of gardeners in temperate climates but many banana cultivars are much more cold hardy than you might think. We offer banana trees that are cold hardy north of USDA hardiness zone 7. But even if you are in a more chilly part of the world, you can still enjoy an ornamental banana leaf plant in a container. Just be aware that banana plants can grow large very quickly so start big and re-pot every 3 years.
6 products
Cold hardy ornamental banana plants for sale and potted banana leaf plants for indoor gardening.
Many Americans assume that there is just a single banana plant but in fact there are several species of banana trees and hundreds of cultivars. The term Banana is used to describe any member of the family Musaceae which includes both edible plants and sun-loving ornamental summer perennials for the garden or outdoor / indoor containers. The banana plant family contains 3 genera; Musa (the common banana tree), Musella (the dwarf banana plant), and Ensete (a mid-sized ornamental banana plant). Edible fruit comes from hybrids of the genus Musa.
All three genera of banana plants are ornamental and produce large, tropical looking plants. Most banana plants are not hardy enough for temperate gardens but luckily, a few like Musa basjoo migrated to cold mountain tops in their native countries and evolved some degree of cold tolerance. We search out the cold hardy members, propagate them and place these banana plants for sale through our on-line plant catalog. In fact, Plant Delights Nursery strives to have the largest number of cold hardy banana trees for sale on the internet.
A banana tree excels as a tropical looking garden perennial with its large, tropical, sometimes colorful leaves along with large, exotic flowers and occasional fruit. The banana leaf plant also makes a wonderful potted plant for patio gardens and indoor gardening.
Where to Plant Bananas – Banana Site Selection
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