Banana-ripe
Musa acuminata
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Quick Info
water
High water needs, regular deep watering
spacing
3 metres between plants
depth
30-40 cm deep (suckers)
sun
Full sun to partial shade
season
Year-round planting in tropics
frost
Frost sensitive
height
2-5 metres depending on variety
gemination
N/A (grown from suckers)
sprout to harvest
9-14 months from sucker planting
soil ph
5.5-7.0
soil type
Deep, fertile, well-drained loamy soil
fertilizer needs
Heavy feeder - high nitrogen and potassium
About
Bananas are a major staple and cash crop in PNG, grown from coastal lowlands to highland areas up to 1,600 metres. Both cooking bananas and sweet dessert varieties are widely cultivated. The plant is a large herbaceous perennial that produces fruit once per stem, then new suckers continue the cycle.
Health Benefits
Excellent source of potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Cooking bananas are rich in resistant starch. Good source of dietary fibre and natural sugars for energy.
Market Requirements
Bunches should be well-filled with undamaged fingers. Harvest green for market. No bruising, sunburn, or pest marks. Wrap bunches in banana leaves for transport.