Have you ever gone into a friend's backyard and, in amazement, looked around and asked, "How did you grow that?" I'm talking about a banana plant. Often referred to as a banana tree, it is really an herbaceous perennial that thrives in zones 9 -11. However, we can grow the banana plant right here in northeast Texas.
Plant in April or May on the south side of your house where it will get the most sun and warmth, preferably near a building for protection. It can also be planted in a large pot that, if you wish, can be brought inside during cold weather.
Banana plants like large amounts of water, but do not tolerate constantly soggy soil. Once they have been planted, apply mulch to keep the soil moist.
The soil should be rich, with plenty of organic compost added when planting. You should feed regularly with fertilizer high in potassium.
There are few pests of the backyard banana plant, but nematodes can be a real problem.
Before the first freeze, wrap 6 layers of insulation around the stalk, or cut the plant back close to the ground and cover with several inches of mulch. When spring arrives, the plant will begin growing from the center or sprout new shoots from the sides.
Lena Shrader, Smith County Master Gardener
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