How to get a banana tree to fruit – 3 expert-approved methods

If you're lucky enough to live in a tropical clime, you might have experimented with growing fruit like bananas. These trees find it trickier to produce fruit in colder regions, so it's worth taking advantage if you do live somewhere sunny. Having said that, you might still struggle to get a banana tree to fruit if you aren't providing some optimal conditions.

Growing a banana tree offers a somewhat quick reward. 'Most plants take around 9–18 months to produce their first bunch, usually in the warmer months if you are outside the tropics areas,' says Lisa Tadewaldt, a tree care expert and owner at Urban Forest Pro. This short amount of time is aided by some specific conditions to support fruit development, even when it comes to growing cold hardy banana trees.

With sufficient warmth, light, water, and the help of some plant food, you can be well on your way to harvesting homegrown bananas. Here, Lisa shares her top three methods for trying to get a banana tree to fruit if yours is proving to be stubborn.

3 ways to get a banana tree to fruit

Banana trees typically grow best in US hardiness zones 9 to zone 11, though cold hardy varieties have a tolerance down to zone 5. It's best to ensure your banana tree variety is suited to your local climate and if it isn't, consider switching it out for a better suited option. You can explore the range of banana tree varieties available at Nature Hills.

1. Fertilize your banana tree regularly

If there's one thing to know about banana trees, it's that they're heavy feeders. Fertilizer can go a long way in helping them to fruit.

'They are really heavy feeders, so regular fertilizing, especially with extra potassium, makes a big difference,' Lisa says.

You should fertilize fruit trees like your banana tree monthly during spring and summer, when active fruit production is happening.

For a banana tree, look for fertilizers high in potassium to support fruit production. This is the 'K' in plant fertilizer numbers, which you can find on the label of fertilizer products.

Some good options include this banana tree fertilizer from Amazon and this fruit tree fertilizer from Amazon. Both of these feeds will give your banana tree a boost of essential plant nutrients to encourage fruiting.

Lisa Tadewaldt

Lisa Tadewaldt is the founder and owner of Urban Forest Professionals, an arborist company out of Portland, OR, that has been serving that community for over 15 years

2. Provide your banana tree with plenty of warmth

'Banana plants need steady warmth, typically above 75°F, lots of sun, and rich, well-drained soil to fruit,' Lisa says.

'Without at least 6–8 hours of bright light and consistent warmth, the plant will put its energy into growth rather than fruiting,' she adds.

Of course, the exact ideal temperature for your banana tree will depend on the variety you're growing. Cold-hardy varieties, for example, may even fruit in temperatures around 60°F, though the higher tends to be better.

If your banana tree is already in a permanent position, it can be tricky to increase warmth. Consider using things like this burlap from Amazon to provide insulation, or try mulching to trap warmth in.

If, however, you happen to be growing a more compact variety as one of the best trees to grow in pots, it's easy to relocate your banana tree somewhere warmer. Consider using a greenhouse or positioning it against a house wall which will give off heat.

To keep track of temperatures for your banana tree, use this soil thermometer from Amazon.

3. Keep your banana tree's soil evenly moist

Getting watering right is also fundamental in trying to get a banana tree to fruit, as too much water could hinder its health and ability to set fruit.

'Watering is super key,' Lisa says. 'Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, since overwatering can damage roots and underwatering will stress the plant,' she explains.

Just like houseplant root rot, overwatering your fruit trees can rot roots and, as Lisa says, underwatering can cause stress that stunts growth. Prolonged exposure to soggy conditions or drought can even lead to the death of your banana tree.

If you live in a hotter clime with little rainfall, it's important to keep moisture levels up. Using a soil moisture meter (from Amazon), you can check for when your banana tree's soil has dried out in the top couple of inches. This is when you should give your tree a deep watering.

FAQs

Are banana trees self-pollinating?

Many banana trees actually don't rely on pollination to produce fruit. This is referred to as 'parthenocarpic,' and is typically in reference to commercial bananas, which are seedless. Wild banana varieties, on the other hand, do require pollination. They aren't typically self-pollinating, however, and rely on pollinators like fruit bats, birds, and insects.

Another trick for trying to get a banana tree to fruit is a bit of pruning:

'For best results, remove excess suckers (offshoots) so the main stem can focus on developing fruit,' Lisa says.

You should also take care to overwinter your banana tree to ensure it remains healthy and in fit condition for fruiting over the harshest months.

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