How to Grow Delicious and Nutritious Plantains

Plantains and bananas (which are just different varieties of the same species) may grow into tall, tree-sized plants, but the whole thing is actually an herb without a true trunk or deep root system.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceEDISElectronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences's peer-reviewed articlesGo to source} This makes their planting and care a bit different from actual fruit trees, but it's nothing a moderately experienced gardener (or even a dedicated novice) can't handle. One point to be aware of: unless you live fairly close to the equator, your plantain plant will probably not make any fruit. In that case, you'll have to settle for a beautiful tropical ornament instead.

Question 1 of 8:

What climate do you need to grow plantains?

Download Article

1
Plantains need tropical weather to fruit. In their native habitat, plantains are used to 100 millimetres (3.9 in) of water per month and temperatures around 30 °C (86 °F).^{[2]XResearch source} For them to fruit reliably, they'll need tropical conditions like this almost year-round.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceMissouri Botanical GardenOldest botanical garden in the U.S. and center for botanical research and science educationGo to source} In subtropical climates like Florida or most of Australia, you might get plantains to fruit with careful management and plenty of water.
- In the tropics, you can plant plantains anytime there are at least three months left in the rainy season.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Research the climate in your area and if plantains can prosper there before you start planting.
2
You can grow plantains as ornamental plants in cooler climates. They're surprisingly hardy for tropical plants, so as long as you don't mind the lack of fruit, you can still plant them outside the tropics. Warm growing seasons and mild winters are still best for fast growth.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceEDISElectronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences's peer-reviewed articlesGo to source}
- Mild frost will kill the leaves, while anything colder will cause it to die back to the ground (and grow again in spring).^{[6]XResearch source} Below -7ºC (20ºF), plantains need heavy winter protection: burlap wrapping, thick root mulch, and an enclosure filled with at least 1 m (3 ft.) of dry leaves. Below about -12ºC (10ºF), they won't survive outdoors.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceMissouri Botanical GardenOldest botanical garden in the U.S. and center for botanical research and science educationGo to source}
- Outside of the tropics, plant plantains when there are at least three months left of warm weather.

Question 2 of 8:

How much sun do plantains need?

Download Article

Plantains grow fastest and produce the most fruit in full sun. That said, they tolerate up to 50% shade fairly well, and need less water in shady conditions.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceEDISElectronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences's peer-reviewed articlesGo to source} Plantains are also very susceptible to wind damage, so a tall tree or fence nearby can be worth it for the wind protection even if it blocks some sun.^{[9]XResearch source}

Question 3 of 8:

How do you plant a plantain tree?

Download Article

1
Plant nursery-bought plantains in a hole with topsoil at the base. Dig a hole 30 centimetres (12 in) across and at least 30 centimetres (12 in) deep. (60 centimetres (24 in) is even better if you can manage it.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceEDISElectronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences's peer-reviewed articlesGo to source}) Put the root ball of the plantain into this hole, then fill the area around the roots with high-quality topsoil. Fill the rest of the hole with the lower-quality soil originally from the bottom of the hole.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Plant nurseries also sell tiny, container-grown suckers from a plant nursery. These are more fragile in the first couple months, but can work out great if they survive.^{[12]XResearch source} You don't need a large hole for these—just transplant them so they're at the same soil depth they were in the container.
2
Or prep your own "sucker" from another plant. Plantains are propagated from pieces of the mother plant, not grown from seed. So if you know someone with a plantain tree, you can use it to get your own young plantain:
- Choose a sucker (a growth at the base of the mother plant) at least 30 cm (12 in) tall, and ideally 50 cm (20 in) tall and 15 cm (6 in) across.^{[13]XResearch source} The ones with long, blade-like leaves are best for fruit.^{[14]XResearch source} The ones with broader leaves are stronger, but won't bear fruit.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Disinfect your tools, then dig up the sucker's bulb-like base (the "corm").^{[16]XResearch source} Try to cut it away from the mother plant with a single stroke of a machete or sharp shovel, and cut as close to the mother plant as you can.^{[17]XResearch source}
- Peel off the outer layer of the corm with a sharp, disinfected knife, starting where the outer layer of leaves attach and peeling all the way down to remove the roots.^{[18]XResearch source} Anything that isn't pure white is infected, so cut that away as well.^{[19]XResearch source}
- Plant in a hole 30 centimetres (12 in) or deeper, as described above.

Question 4 of 8:

How much water do plantains need?

Download Article

Aim for about 25 to 40 mm of water (1 to 1.5 inches) spread throughout each week. It's best to water plantains generously and regularly (every two or three days) if you want them to fruit.^{[20]XResearch source} Make sure you're watering consistently whenever there's dry weather during the growing season.^{[21]XTrustworthy SourceEDISElectronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences's peer-reviewed articlesGo to source}
- Drip irrigation is a good labor- and water-saving option, and works much better than sprinklers for plantains.^{[22]XResearch source}
- Although it's hard to overwater plantains, pools of stagnant water can kill them. Use well-draining soil to prevent this. In flood-prone areas like Florida, it's smart to plant them in raised beds.^{[23]XTrustworthy SourceEDISElectronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences's peer-reviewed articlesGo to source}
- Avoid watering your plants in the middle of the day, as the midday heat can quickly evaporate the water from the soil before the plantain tree gets a chance to drink.

Question 5 of 8:

What is the best way to fertilize plantains?

Download Article

1
Mulch, manure, or wood ash are excellent for plantains. Cover the soil around the plantain plant with one of these organic fertilizers in a circle about 50 centimetres (20 in) across. In addition to fertilizing, this layer traps moisture, stops weeds from growing, and encourages helpful soil microbes.^{[24]XResearch source}
- Mixing it into the soil is not necessary and can even damage the root network. Save yourself the effort and just leave it on top.^{[25]XResearch source}
2
Potassium is the most important nutrient, then nitrogen. If you use an inorganic fertilizer product instead of mulch, choose one extra high in potassium. Plantains often need twice as much potassium as nitrogen to produce a good amount of fruit.^{[26]XResearch source} (This is a bit less important if you are growing them ornamentally, but potassium still helps with growth.)
- For example, a fertilizer labeled "3-1-6" is a good choice.^{[27]XTrustworthy SourceEDISElectronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences's peer-reviewed articlesGo to source} This "N-P-K" number refers to the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in that order.
- You could instead buy potassium supplements to add along with your mulch or to a balanced fertilizer.
3
Fertilize one month after planting, then throughout the growing season. Plantains tend to need multiple doses a year, but the exact amount depends on the quality of your soil and how quickly it drains.^{[28]XResearch source} When in doubt, try four times a year, spaced evenly throughout the growing season.^{[29]XResearch source}
- Plantains don't have a natural dormant period like most non-tropical plants. They'll grow any time they have plenty of water and warm weather.

Question 6 of 8:

How do you protect plantains from wind?

Download Article

If you live in a windy area, try a dwarf variety like "Dwarf Puerto Rican" or "Goroho." These grow shorter and thicker, so they're less likely to tip over.^{[30]XResearch source} Even the "dwarf" varieties can easily grow to 2 meters (6.5 ft) and sometimes even higher, so you don't need to settle for a miniature plant.^{[31]XResearch source}
2
Provide a wind break for young plantains. Plantains don't have deep roots and can easily tip over in the first few months after planting. If you can, plant them in a spot where buildings, trees, or fences block the prevailing winds in your area. A temporary screen or fence can also work well. The best windbreak has gaps or holes to let some of the wind through, instead of redirecting it with full force around the fence.^{[32]XTrustworthy SourceRoyal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plantsGo to source}
- If you don't have good wind protection, try planting a few plantains in a clump fairly close to each other,.^{[33]XResearch source} The minimum distance is about 2 m. (6.5 ft) apart.^{[34]XResearch source}
- Plant plantains at least 2 m. (6.5 ft.) away from the side of buildings, preferably a bit farther.^{[35]XResearch source}
Adult plantains are most vulnerable to wind while they have fruit, as well as in dry weather. At these times, if you expect high winds, it helps to put a tall stake in the ground (bamboo works well) and tie it to the top of the plantain. Alternatively, tie two crossed stakes together to make a fork, and rest the heavy plantain bunch at the intersection.^{[36]XResearch source}

Question 7 of 8:

How long does it take a plantain tree to grow and bear fruit?

Download Article

Plantains come from the tropics, where they can grow almost year-round and flower and fruit at any time.^{[37]XResearch source} In these conditions, they can bear fruit in as little as nine to twelve months after planting.^{[38]XResearch source} In subtropics with frost-free winters, like Florida, it can take up to two years.^{[39]XTrustworthy SourceEDISElectronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences's peer-reviewed articlesGo to source} Just about anywhere else, without at least nine months of uninterrupted warm weather, plantain trees usually don't fruit.^{[40]XTrustworthy SourceMissouri Botanical GardenOldest botanical garden in the U.S. and center for botanical research and science educationGo to source}

Question 8 of 8:

How do you protect plantains from disease?

Download Article

1
Try to keep new soil additions infection-free. The best way to handle plant diseases is to prevent them in the first place. When adding new topsoil to your garden, look for a "nematode-free" guarantee. Composting and mulching can also help keep your garden soil healthy, as long as those materials didn't come from an infected source.^{[41]XResearch source} (For instance, you wouldn't want to put discolored or rotted leaves back into your compost heap unless you have a heat treatment system to disinfect it.)
- Be especially careful bringing new plantains and bananas into the garden. Cut away any odd-colored patches on their base before planting, and don't throw away the cut material into your garden.^{[42]XResearch source}
2
Apply nematocide if you see root damage. Some of the most common plantain pests are nematodes, or tiny soil worms. Some types cause brown or black lesions on the roots and base of the plant, while others cause roots to swell and crack.^{[43]XResearch source} If you see this, buy a "nematicide" from a plant nursery and apply it in a circle 25 centimetres (9.8 in) across around the plantain. Repeat three times per year to keep the infection under control.^{[44]XResearch source}
- If your plantain seems loose from the soil and easily tips over, this could be caused by root damage.^{[45]XResearch source}
3
Look out for aphids and other insects. Aphids are widespread, and their infestations can also lead to viral and fungal infections.^{[46]XResearch source} Deal with them quickly with soap sprays, ladybugs, or pesticides when you see these small insects on the leaves, or their sticky secretions.
- Other insect pests vary depending on your location. Bring a photograph to your local plant nursery or agricultural extension to get advice on treating local pests.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Plantains are pretty tolerant of a range of soils, so most home gardeners don't need to put in too much effort adjusting it. Like many plants, they prefer well-draining loam and a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5.^{[47]XResearch source}
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
You can grow a lot of low, shade-loving plants underneath the plantain. Yam, cocoa, and coffee plants are all good options.^{[48]XResearch source}
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
Planting more than one plantain? On farms, full-size varieties are planted as much 3.6 m (12 ft.) apart from each other, while dwarf varieties are planted about 2.4 m (8 ft.) apart.^{[49]XTrustworthy SourceEDISElectronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences's peer-reviewed articlesGo to source} But this is partly so that new suckers have space to grow between the plants. If you're just growing them for your home garden, you can fudge these numbers and space them closer together.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Grasses and other weeds can compete with plantains, which don't have a deep root system like true trees. Mulch is the best weed control option, since weeding by hand or using herbicides risks damaging the plantain roots.^{[51]XResearch source}
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful0