Commercially grown bananas that are cultivated specifically for consumption don’t have seeds. Over time, they have been modified to have three sets of genes instead of two (triploid) and produce no seeds. In nature, however, one encounters many banana types with seeds; in fact, some seeds are so large it is difficult to get to the pulp. That said, can you grow bananas from seed? Read on to find out about growing banana trees from seeds.
Can You Grow Bananas from Seed?
As mentioned above, the banana you are eating for breakfast has been genetically tinkered with to lack seeds and are usually Cavendish bananas. There are many other banana varieties out there and they do contain seeds. Cavendish bananas are propagated by pups or suckers, pieces of rhizome that form into miniature banana plants that can be severed from the parent and planted to become a separate plant. In the wild, bananas are propagated via seed. You, too, can grow seed grown bananas.
Propagating Banana Plants
If you want to grow seed grown bananas, be aware that the resulting fruit will not be like those you buy at the grocers. They will contain seeds and, depending upon the variety, might be so large that the fruit is difficult to get to. That said, from what I have read, many people say the flavor of wild bananas is superior to the grocery store version. To begin germinating the banana seeds, soak the seed in warm water for 24 to 48 hours to break the seed dormancy. This softens the seed coat, enabling the embryo to sprout more easily and rapidly. Prepare an outdoor bed in a sunny area or use a seed tray or other container and fill with potting soil enriched with plenty of organic compost in the amount of 60% sand or airy loam to 40% organic matter. Sow the banana seeds 1/4 inch (6 mm.) deep and backfill with compost. Water seeds until the soil is moist, not drenched, and maintain damp conditions while growing banana trees from seeds. When germinating banana seeds, even hardy bananas, keep the temperature at least 60 degrees F. (15 C.). Different varieties respond to temperature fluxes differently, however. Some do well with 19 hours of cool and 5 hours of warm temps. Using a heated propagator and turning it on during the day and off at night may be the easiest way to monitor temperature fluctuations. The time that a banana seed germinates, again, depends on the variety. Some germinate in two to three weeks while others may take two or more months, so be patient when propagating banana plants via seed.
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own BackyardIn addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
-
Japanese Banana Plant – Caring For A Musa Basjoo Hardy Banana VarietyThe Japanese banana plant lends that tropical island flair to gardens as far north as zone 5. If that sounds too good to be true, read on!
-
Banana Tree Fruit Issues: Why Do Banana Trees Die After FruitingBanana trees not only are beautiful tropical specimens, but most of them bear edible banana tree fruit. If you have ever seen or grown banana plants then you may have noticed banana trees dying after bearing fruit. Click this article to learn more.
-
Growing Ornamental Bananas – How To Grow A Red Banana PlantThere are many types of banana which produce copious amounts of fruit. But did you know there are also various types of the ornamental red banana plant too, specifically grown for their attractive red foliage color? Learn more about them here.
-
Thai Banana Fruit – How To Grow Thai Banana TreesIn Thailand, bananas are everywhere and synonymous with the tropical region they thrive in. If you're yearning to introduce a more tropical look to your landscape, try growing Thai bananas. What are Thai bananas? Click here to find out about Thai banana care.
-
Common Diseases Of Banana: What Causes Black Spots On Banana FruitBanana plants are prone to a number of diseases, many of which result in black spots on banana fruit. What causes black spot disease in bananas and are there any methods for treating black spots on banana fruit? Click this article to learn more.
-
Banana Tree Problems: What Causes Bananas With Cracked SkinIt takes some work to grow bananas and, even so, they are susceptible to their share of diseases and other banana tree problems. One such issue is bananas with cracked skin. Why do bananas split on the bunch? Find out about banana fruit cracking here.
-
Fusarium Wilt Of Banana: Managing Of Fusarium Wilt In BananasAlso known as Panama disease, fusarium wilt of banana is difficult to control and severe infections are often deadly. Click on this article to learn more about banana fusarium wilt disease, including management and control.
-
Banana Plant Diseases And Pests: Troubleshooting Problems Affecting BananasBanana plant problems can derail a successful plantation, and any of the problems affecting bananas may afflict the home gardener as well, so it's important to learn to identify banana pests and diseases to nip them in the bud. Click here to learn more.
