A very dwarf form of the classic Cavendish Banana that’s so popular around the world! Very easy to grow so long as you can provide some winter protection for it in climates that receive hard frost. Bananas prefer rich soil in full sun and can take some intense heat so long as they are well watered. In the second or third year you should see the banana plant create its massive flower spike which will turn into dozens of tasty bananas.

Latin Name:  Musa ‘Dwarf Cavendish’
Site and Soil: Banana likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness: We’ve heard reports down to 15ºF, but we’re guessing somewhere around 20ºF might be a safer bet. Be sure to protect it overwinter if cold temperatures are coming your way.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 7-10 ft. in height.
Taste: Sweet
Fruit Skin: Yellow
Pests & Diseases: Banana is not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 9b

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The tiniest of any dwarf banana that we’ve seen, the Little Prince is an even more dwarfing mutation of the already dwarf Novak banana, that has all the proportions of a full sized banana at a fraction of the size. Growing only 2-3′ tall and forming clumps, this will make an excellent container plant or a splash of tropical foliage in the understory. We’ve also heard that Little Prince can produce small clusters of bananas that are tasty to eat, but we’ve not yet gotten our plants to fruit.

Latin Name: Musa x ‘Little Prince’
Site and Soil: Banana likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Our plants are so far hardy to about 20°F., but we’ve heard reports of 10-15°F. Plants will die back during winter and will usually need to be brought indoors in colder climates if you want them to flower and fruit.
Size at Maturity: 2-3 ft. in height.
Fruit: Possibly producing small tasty bananas
Pests & Diseases: Banana is not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 8b

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The Ice Cream banana is one we’ve been trying to get a hold of for years and we’re so excited to finally have a good crop of them to plant out and have here at the nursery. Also known as the Blue Java banana for the uniquely blue color the bananas have before they’re fully ripe, it’s more popularly known as the Ice Cream banana for its fluffy, creamy texture that’s similar to ice cream. Makes a delicious frozen banana puree, but you’ll likely eat them all fresh right off the plant. Said to be hardy all the way to 15º F, but we’re guessing 20º F is more realistic. Certainly doable in our more mild winters or with some added winter protection. Bananas fruit in their second year typically so the plant must make it through the winter without too much damage in order to flower and fruit. We’re crossing our fingers that these will be hardy in the ground here but let us know your experiences with them.

Latin Name:  Musa acuminata × balbisiana ‘Blue Java’
Site and Soil: Banana likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness: We’ve heard reports down to 15º F., but we’re guessing somewhere around 20º F. might be a safer bet. Be sure to protect it overwinter if cold temperatures are coming your way.
Bearing Age: 2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 6-10 ft. in height.
Taste: Sweet, fluffy, creamy texture
Fruit Skin: Blue-green when ripening, yellow when ripe
Pests & Diseases: Banana is not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 8b/9a

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Grand Nain banana is one of the most commercially popular edible banana varieties and also a very easy one to grow at home! Banana plants, often mistakenly called trees, grow as fleshy herbaceous clumping perennials that are common throughout the tropics and sub-tropics but can also be grown here in the temperate world if given some winter protection. We’ve kept Grand Nain bananas in unheated greenhouses and received fruit the following summer. Few plants are as satisfying to grow, and thrilling to see in flower, as banana plants! The fruits are borne on one giant flower stock and a single stock can give you over 50 bananas! The bananas ripen over a few weeks so you don’t have to worry about eating them all at once. A perfect addition to the tropical garden or sun room if you want some big, bold foliage and delicious fruits too!

Latin Name: Musa acuminata
Site and Soil: Banana likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Banana can be grown where temperatures don’t fall below freezing. If growing in a temperate climate you can grow it in a pot and move indoors for winter.
Bearing Age: 2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 6-10 ft. in height.
Taste: Sweet
Fruit Skin: Yellow
Yield: Over 50 bananas per stock
Pests & Diseases: Banana is not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 9b

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Latin Name: Musa basjoo
Site and Soil: Banana likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description:
Hardiness: Banana can be grown where temperatures fall to minus 20°F. Mulch heavily with straw or similar material in cold regions.
Size at Maturity: 10-12 ft. in height.
Fruit: Does not produce edible fruit. Fronds can be used for culinary purposes.
Pests & Diseases: Banana is not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 5 (w/protection)

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This beautiful shrub form of Hardy Banana, Golden Lotus Flower grows high in the mountains of China. Golden Lotus Flower Banana Plant grows 5-6 ft. tall with 4 ft. long leaves. Most striking is the long-lasting, 8-10″ diameter, bright yellow flower in the center of the plant. Ornamental and does not produce edible fruit.

Latin Name: Musella lasiocarpa
Site and Soil: Banana likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description:
Hardiness: Banana can be grown where temperatures fall to minus 20ºF. Mulch heavily in cold regions.
Size at Maturity: 5-6 ft. in height.
Bloom Time: Summer
Flower Color: Bright yellow
Pests & Diseases: Banana is not bothered by significant pest or disease problems.
USDA Zone: 5 (w/protection)

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