Dwarf Cavendish Banana (Musa)

 A smaller banana plant variety, suitable for urban back yard or pot growing. They will do well in most areas if its not too wet or frosty but will do so much better in a green house or polytunnel.  Due to the smaller size of the plant, Dwarf cavendish have been a favorite of many growers. Suitable for NZ climate, excellent tasting, sweet flesh. Up 2m  high.   Produce higher quality fruit in sub-tropical conditions. Highly recommended and well suited to growing in NZ in warmer frost free areas. 

Small - up to 0.3m
Medium - up to .6m
Large - up to 1m
X Large - 1+m

Plant Care

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, watering deeply especially in warmer months. Reduce watering in cooler months.
• Temperature: Best between 26°C and 30°C. Bananas are not frost-tolerant and require protection or placement in warm climates.
• Light: Full sun is ideal.
• Fertilising: Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as 30-10-10 monthly during the growing season to support vigorous leaf growth. Once the plant starts flowering, switch to a high-potassium fertilizer like 15-5-30 to support fruit development.
• Pruning: Regularly remove dead leaves and spent fruit stalks. Cut back the main fruiting stem after harvest to encourage new growth.
• Mulching: Apply heavy mulch to retain soil moisture, provide nutrients, and suppress weeds.
• Pest Control: Look out for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and nematodes. Use eco-friendly pesticides if necessary.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Each pseudostem will fruit once. Fruit typically matures in about 3 to 8 months, depending on conditions and variety.
• Potting: Suitable for large containers, but requires ample space and meticulous care to manage growth and ensure sufficient nutrients.