| Bananas are fast-growing herbaceous perennials arising from underground rhizomes. The fleshy stalks or pseudostems formed by upright concentric layers of leaf sheaths constitute the functional trunks. The true stem begins as an underground corm which grows upwards, pushing its way out through the centre of the stalk 10-15 months after planting, eventually producing the terminal inflorescence which will later bear the fruit. Each stalk produces one huge flower cluster and then dies. New stalks then grow from the rhizome. The plant requires plentiful water and regular fertilising. It prefers a slightly alkaline soil. It is best to allow two plants to fruit and have two replacements coming on. Remove all other suckers that develop. Of course, it likes the heat and full sun! It's best to have at least 2, and preferably more banana plants for best results. Banana bunches are harvested when the fruits are fully developed, when the angles are becoming less prominent and the fruits on the upper hands are changing to light green; and the flower remnants (styles) are easily rubbed off the tips. Generally, this stage is reached 75-80 days after the opening of the first hand. Blue bags protect bananas against the ravages of light hail, wind damage and certain types of insects. Research has showed that blue is best for the fruit. Some good information at this site: http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-bananas.html There are some interesting pix at the site below. |
Here is a link that might be useful: banana growing
