BANANAS

Bananas are a must for the subtropical garden. Edible and ornamental. They all require fertile soil so give them lots of compost. They need food as they are fast growing, heavy feeders. They look best in a sheltered position where their leaves don't get ripped up. They are also sensitive to frost. If you can provide these requirements your bananas will treat you well.

The flower on a banana is the terminal bud. When it has finished flowering/fruiting you need to remove the entire stem otherwise it just sits on the plant and slowly rots, making it unsightly.

With fruiting varieties the clump needs to be kept at 3 -4 stems so the plant can put its energy into the fruit rather than producing leaves. The stems should be staggered sizes so there will be a bunch each year.

 The ornamental varieties offer a fascinating range of unusual flowers and colour. Great for floral work as well.

When maintaining your bananas, wear old clothes as the stem sap stains badly.