Harvesting Banana Plant: Timing and Techniques

Growing banana plants and harvesting the sweet, creamy fruits is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener. However, proper timing and techniques are essential to ensure a successful banana harvest. This comprehensive guide covers when and how to harvest banana plants for optimal flavor and quantity.

Determining When to Harvest Bananas

Bananas do not continue ripening once picked, so identifying peak ripeness is critical. Consider these factors when deciding harvesting time

Variety

Hundreds of banana varieties exist with different maturation times. Small Cavendish bananas take 8-9 months to harvest, while larger Big Mike varieties take up to 15 months. Know your variety’s timeline.

Climate

Bananas thrive in warm, humid tropical climates. In ideal conditions, fruits ripen faster than cooler locales. Allow extra time if growing bananas in marginal climates.

Fruit Development

Track banana growth from flowering to harvest. It takes about 75-90 days for bananas to fully develop after buds appear. Time harvests accordingly.

Color Change

Green bananas gradually turn yellow as starch converts to sugar. Harvest when the peel is mostly yellow with some green tips. Flesh should be slightly soft.

Flower Remnants

The dried flower remnants at the end of the fruit stalk should rub off easily when bananas are ripe. Clinging flowers indicate underripe fruit.

Harvesting Techniques

Once ripe, use these proper techniques for harvesting banana plants:

• Cut down entire fruit stalks with a sharp, clean machete or knife. Slice through the stem above the bunch.

• Avoid damaging other developing fruit stalks. Only remove mature bunches.

• Carefully lay down the harvested stalks. Do not bruise or bang the fruit.

• Cut stalks can be left long for easy carrying or trimmed for storage optimization.

• Transport hands carefully to prevent squashing. Use padding if stacking multiple stalks.

• Leave 1-2 inches of stem attached to each hand to extend shelf life.

• Wash hands gently in cool water to remove latex and dirt. Dry thoroughly.

• Store harvested bananas at room temperature out of direct sun. Do not refrigerate.

• Enjoy bananas within 5-7 days as they fully ripen to soft, sweet perfection.

Proper harvesting techniques maximize shelf life after picking and prevent damage to future yields.

Optimal Harvesting Period

Banana plants fruit year-round in ideal tropical climates but produce seasonal crops in marginal zones. Peak harvest periods:

• Tropics – Harvest year-round, though summer and fall yields are often highest.

• Subtropics – Spring and summer harvesting is best. Avoid winter.

• Temperate Zones – Summer through early fall harvests are possible with sufficient heat.

Time plantings so fruits mature during optimal warm seasons for your climate. Greenhouses also help ensure robust harvests in cooler areas.

Ongoing Harvests

Banana plants produce multiple fruiting stalks in succession over decades. To sustain ongoing yields:

• Stagger planting dates for staggered harvests.

• Allow suckers to replace depleted mother plants.

• Apply fertilizer and ample water for vigorous growth.

• Protect plants from freezing and wind damage.

With proper care, a single banana plant can supply fruits for 30 years or more!

Harvesting Other Banana Varieties

Specialized harvesting approaches are needed for unique banana varieties:

• Plantains – Pick at full size but while still green and starchy.

• Ornamental bananas – Harvest when seeds inside are mature, regardless of peel color.

• Dwarf bananas – Monitor closely and harvest promptly when ripe, as fruits rot quickly on compact plants.

Know your variety’s purpose and adapt harvesting accordingly.

Troubleshooting Issues

These problems may arise with banana harvesting:

• Uneven ripening – Pick individual hands as they ripen.

• Toppling stalks – Stake plants if unable to support heavy fruit loads.

• Split skins – Pick promptly when ripe to avoid cracking.

• Loose fruits – Secure developing bananas using old pantyhose.

• Rodent damage – Protect ripening fruits from rats, mice, and squirrels.

• Rotting – Avoid overhead watering and improve drainage to reduce rot.

Adjusting harvest timing and plant care can help overcome potential banana harvesting challenges.

Storing and Using Harvested Bananas

Enjoy bananas quickly for best quality and flavor. Or store harvested bananas:

• On the counter loose or grouped in hands for up to one week.

• In the refrigerator for 5-10 days if space allows. Skins will darken.

• Frozen for 6 months. Peel before freezing. Use frozen bananas for smoothies, breads, etc.

• Dried as banana chips either in a dehydrator or oven.

With proper timing and care, harvested bananas can be enjoyed fresh or preserved for extended use.

Knowing when bananas are perfectly ripe and using proper harvesting techniques allows growers to enjoy this favorite tropical fruit. Pay close attention as fruits develop and pick at the peak of perfection.