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How Quickly Does the Abyssinian Banana Tree Grow?

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Plants for sale are Ensete Maurelii 4″ deep pots, plants are between 4″- 24″ tall They grow fast!! Each plant is grown from tissue cultures to be a disease free exact replica of the mother plant. The Ensete maurelii is also called Red Abyssinian..

Plants for sale are Ensete Maurelii 4″ deep pots, plants are between 4″- 24″ tall They grow fast!! Each plant is grown from tissue cultures to be a disease free exact replica of the mother plant. The Ensete maurelii is also called Red Abyssinian Banana. This is a huge ornamental plant with leaves up to 10 feet long. The maurelii is a fantastically colorful plant with red leaf surfaces and red leaf axils. Plant grows to 15 feet. This banana does not produce suckers and is very fast growing. It will grow well in full sun to partial shade. Makes an outstanding focal point in a large container or planted in the ground. The Ensete maurelii brings the tropical look to any garden setting. Great wind resistant. All around favorite variety. Ships to the continental United States only.

The Abyssinian banana tree (Ensete ventricosum) is an ultra-fast growing plant that can transform a garden with its huge, vibrant leaves and tropical aesthetic. If you’re considering adding one of these eye-catching banana trees to your outdoor space, one of the first questions you probably have is “how fast do they grow?”

I’ve done lots of research on the Abyssinian banana tree growth rate, ideal growing conditions, and care requirements. Here’s what I’ve learned about how quickly this exotic banana tree variety can grow under the right circumstances.

Typical Growth Rate of Abyssinian Banana Trees

The Abyssinian banana is truly a fast grower In fact, it holds the distinction of having one of the quickest growth rates of any tree or large shrub suitable for home gardens

Under ideal conditions the Abyssinian banana can grow up to 20 feet tall in just 2-3 years. That means it can easily gain over 6 feet of growth in a single growing season!

Even in less-than-perfect conditions, you can expect your Abyssinian banana tree to grow several feet per year. These plants are vigorous growers that will quickly provide that instant tropical feel to your garden.

What Impacts the Growth Rate?

While Abyssinian banana trees have an intrinsically rapid growth rate, several factors play a role in determining exactly how fast your plant will grow:

Climate

The Abyssinian banana thrives in tropical or subtropical climates where temperatures stay warm year-round. It can tolerate short dips into the 30s (F) but prefers consistent warmth.

In zones 9-11, the Abyssinian banana can stay in the ground year-round. Its growth rate will be fastest in these warm, humid environments.

In cooler climates, the trees grow best during the warm summer months but need to be overwintered indoors or heavily protected from frost. Cool temperatures slow growth.

Sunlight

Lots of direct sunlight fuels growth in Abyssinian banana trees. They require at least 6 hours of full sun per day. More sun (up to full all-day sun) results in faster growth.

Too much shade will cause the plant to become leggy and stunted as it reaches for sunlight. Morning sun is especially important.

Soil

Abyssinian bananas need nutrient-rich, well-draining soil to support their rapid growth. Loamy garden soil amended with compost or manure provides an ideal growing medium.

Poor, dense soil will significantly slow down growth and make plants more susceptible to rot. Proper drainage is key.

Water

Consistent moisture is critical for the fast growth of Abyssinian banana trees. Their huge leaves lose a lot of water through transpiration.

Make sure to water them deeply 2-3 times a week in warm weather, especially while young. Erratic watering or drought will stunt growth.

Fertilizer

These fast-growing banana trees are heavy feeders. Regular fertilization gives them the nutrients they need for vigorous growth.

Use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season. More frequent feeding may cause burn.

Container Size

If grown in a container, the Abyssinian banana needs ample pot space to grow to its full potential. Re-pot into larger containers as the plant grows.

A 30-gallon pot is a good size for a full-grown plant. Small containers severely limit growth.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Here are the optimal conditions for maximum Abyssinian banana tree growth:

  • Location: USDA zones 9-11 or protected areas in zones 4-8.

  • Sunlight: At least 6 hours of direct sun, ideally 8+ hours.

  • Soil: Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Amend clay or sand as needed.

  • Water: Deep water 2-3 times per week, more in hot weather. Don’t let soil dry out.

  • Temperature: Consistently warm weather above 60°F. Protect from frost.

  • Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during summer.

  • Pot Size: For containers, minimum 25-30 gallon pot size.

Caring for Your Abyssinian Banana Tree

To get the most rapid growth from your Abyssinian banana tree, provide proper care including:

  • Water deeply and regularly, especially when young.

  • Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

  • Prune off dead leaves to encourage new growth.

  • Protect from frost and cold winds if growing in cool climates.

  • Re-pot container plants as they grow larger.

  • Provide strong support as the plant gets taller.

  • Monitor for pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scales.

With the right growing conditions and proper care, you can expect your Abyssinian banana tree to grow several feet per year. Few other plants can transform a garden so fast!

The rapid growth does come with some maintenance like pruning, watering, and re-potting. But the rewards of these gorgeous, exotic-looking banana trees are well worth the slight extra effort.

When to Expect Growth Milestones

To give you a better idea of the Abyssinian banana’s rapid pace of growth, here are some general timelines:

  • 6 months: 5-8 feet tall

  • 1 year: 10-15 feet tall

  • 2 years: 15-20 feet tall

  • 3 years: 20+ feet tall

These timeframes assume ideal growing conditions. Growth may be slower in less-than-ideal environments but still impressive for most plants.

Tips for Maximizing Growth Rate

If you really want your Abyssinian banana to grow as quickly as possible, here are a few extra tips:

  • Plant in zones 9-11 for optimal climate

  • Give it a sunny, protected spot in the garden

  • Prepare the soil well with plenty of compost

  • Water thoroughly 3 times a week, especially when young

  • Fertilize every 4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer

  • Prune off dead leaves to direct energy to new growth

  • Stake the trunk as it gets taller to prevent damage

  • Re-pot container plants when roots fill the pot

  • Overwinter indoors in colder zones to maintain growth

Wonderfully Fast Growing Trees

The Abyssinian banana tree really lives up to its reputation as one of the quickest-growing large plants well-suited for backyards. If you have the space and want a fast tropical feel, look no further!

In ideal conditions, growth can top 6 feet per season. Even in average environments, you can expect several feet of growth per year. Few other plants transform spaces as rapidly.

With some simple care strategies, you can maximize the Abyssinian banana’s growth potential in your climate. The effort is well worth it for these gorgeous exotic-looking trees.

Add one of these fast growers to your garden and get ready to enjoy a whole new tropical look faster than you ever imagined!

how quickly does abyssinian banana tree grow

Ensete Maurelii Banana care and instructions:

Fertilize bananas using any type of high nitrogen organic fertilizer. Bananas are heavy feeders so we suggest that you fertilize every couple of months After your initial watering.

Light and Temperature Requirements

Grow bananas in BRIGHT LIGHT. 12 hours of bright light are ideal for most varieties. bananas prefer Constant WARMTH this is very important – the ideal night temperature would be 67 F. The day temperatures would be in the 80s. Ideally you would have fresh circulating air. If you are in a more northern climate you may bring them during the winter. rhizome / rootball and all, remove the leaves and store the plant, dry, in a heated area over winter. To assure survival, it is easier to dig small suckers, severed very close to the parent rhizome, and pot them for overwintering indoors. Spacing should be at around 4′ this will produce a stand or patch.

We recommend planting Bananas in patches or groves, placing them together in a stand. The shade from a stand of bananas is generally cooler than regular shade, a well placed hammock will do nicely on a hot summer day.

After fruiting, the mother plant which bore should be cut off near ground level, as it can never produce again. If cut into three or four pieces with each piece then being split lengthwise the old trunk will quickly decompose. Use the remains in a mulch bed or compost heap.

After a major cold period in which there is no doubt that bananas were killed to the ground, cut the plants off at ground level within a couple of weeks of the freeze. Dead bananas are not very attractive and they are much easier to cut off before decomposition starts. banana leaves can be removed after they break and hang down along the trunk.

Most bananas will produce the flower bud within 10 to 15 months of emergence as a new sucker, depending mostly on variety and extent of cool/cold weather. Most production north of the lower Rio Grande Valley occurs in the spring and summer following a particularly mild winter.

Banana Propagation

Bananas can be propagated from pups which are the off shoots from mature plants. These off shoots will form new Rysomes thus creating a new plant. Commonly referred to as a pseudo stem or trunk, bananas possess a trunk-like feature composed of fiber ridden leaves.

Pests and Diseases

When it comes to Pests and Diseases Bananas have few troublesome pests or diseases outside the tropics. Root rot from cold wet soil is by far the biggest killer of banana plants in our latitudes.

Broad, long, graceful leaves and rapid growth-commonly reaching full size in just a few weeks-make banana a favorite plant for providing a tropical look to pool and patio areas. The development of bananas following a frost-free winter is a source of both pride and amazement to those unfamiliar with banana culture.

Bananas are a tropical herbaceous plant consisting of an underground corm and a trunk (pseudostem) comprised of concentric layers of leaf sheaths. At 10 to 15 months after the emergence of a new plant. There are thousands of banana varieties and some species reach up to 50 feet in height.

Additionally Banana flowers appear in groups (hands) along the stem. These hands are covered by purplish bracts which roll back and shed as the fruit stem develops. The first hands to appear contain female flowers which will develop into bananas (usually seedless in edible types). The number of hands of female flowers varies from a few to more than 10, after which numerous hands of sterile flowers appear and shed in succession, followed by numerous hands of male flowers which also shed. Generally, a bract rolls up and sheds to expose a new hand of flowers almost daily.

The most common names for bananas are Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana, banana, plantain, banano, platano, guineo, cambur, English, plantain, horse banana, platano, Musaceae, Cavendish and Musa.

Banana sap is a more like water than sap but will slightly stain clothes if your not careful. However some find it to be a mild irritant.

Florida Hill Nursery is your internet source for buying rare plants and fruit trees. Our online Plant selection ensures the best selection of internet plants available. Check out our wide selection of other tropical plants, subtropical plants and northern temperate climate plants. Buy 1 plant or tree and receive free shipping on the next three plants or trees using *best way shipping. Our online selection of rain forest tropicals and fruit trees can add a piece of the tropics to your back yard, greenhouse, patio or garden.

GARDENING GUIDE: How to grow Bananas : The RED Abyssinian Banana – Ensete maurelii Banana Care Tips

FAQ

How quickly does a banana tree grow?

Banana plants grow quickly and can reach their full height of 20-40 feet in only 9 months. After growing for about 6-8 months, the plant develops a nice crown of leaves.

How do you make a banana tree grow faster?

Banana plants grow best with 12 hours of direct, bright sunlight each day. They can still grow with less (more slowly), but you should determine where in your yard receives the most sun. Choose an area with good drainage. Bananas require a lot of water, but are prone to rotting if the water does not drain adequately.

How big do abyssinian banana palms get?

Description. Like bananas, Ensete ventricosum is a large non-woody plant—a gigantic monocarpic evergreen perennial (not a tree)—up to 6 m (20 ft) tall. The tallest to be reported was 42 feet (13 meters).

What is the fastest fruiting banana tree?

Veinte Cohol Banana is the fastest-fruiting banana plant out there. Talk about almost-instant gratification! Just so you get an idea of what we’re talking about here, the average banana takes 4 to 6 months to ripen. Veinte Cohol is ready to harvest just 40 to 60 days after flowering!

How long does it take a banana tree to grow?

Offsets grow at the base of the plant, and when planted, they can grow into a new plant. Typically, it takes around three to four years for the plant to reach its mature height. Uses – The Ensete Maurelii Red Abyssinian Banana Tree is not only a decorative addition to a garden but also serves as a source of food.

How big does a red Abyssinian banana grow?

It can grow up to 18 feet high with leaves 10 feet long. Upright growth and a tropical appearance make the red Abyssinian banana a popular garden plant in temperate and subtropical areas. Decide between planting it directly in the ground or in a container. Plant your Abyssinian red banana outdoors in rich soil after the last frost of the year.

Is Abyssinian banana a good plant?

Abyssinian Banana is a tropical plant that can add a jungly touch to any landscape. Under the ideal growing conditions, this plant grows fast and can become the focal point of your garden (if you take proper care of it). However, you must learn what your plant needs and how to fulfill its requirements to get the results you expect.

What is a red Abyssinian banana tree?

Ensete Maurelii Red Abyssinian Banana Tree, also known as the Ethiopian banana tree, is a plant species native to the highlands of East Africa. This unique plant species is characterized by its stunning red leaves that can take on hues of green, purple, and orange, and its large, thick stalks that can grow up to 10 feet tall.

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