Tender plants should be brought in when temperatures fall below 14ºC (57ºF) and overwintered in a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory. *Valid on standard one-day tickets only, transaction fee applies. Height 4m (13ft). He also explains how to look after banana plants over winter, and suggest a more hardy option (Musa basjoo) that you could use instead: Cover the base of your Musa plant with a thick mulch in autumn to protect the roots from cold and wet over winter. Die-back of the crown is usually due to cold damage, but may also be due to rot encouraged by excessive moisture. This herbaceous plant can be grown indoors and outdoors, if the necessary growth conditions are provided, and the plant is properly taken care of. They may also have to be thinned every few years to prevent crowding in the clump. Yes, you can grow a banana tree. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work, Keep track of your plants with reminders & care tips – all to help you grow successfully, For the latest on RHS Shows in 2020 and 2021, read more, RHS members get free access to RHS Gardens, Free entry to RHS members at selected times », Reduced prices on RHS Garden courses and workshops, Our Garden Centres and online shops are packed with unique and thoughtful gifts and decorations to make your Christmas sparkle, General enquiries Grow banana plants in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in a sheltered spot. In this clp from gardeners’ World, Monty Don shows you how to gradually harden off a beautiful but tender banana plant: Look for small, suckering shoots at the base of your banana plant. Once plants are established, water and feed generously to get the best foliage. Container-grown plants need ample watering during spring and summer months. Choose a sheltered site, with the site sloping away slightly from the plant to avoid creating a frost pocket. Size and vigour increases with size of container. How to grow bananas in the UK. Limp and hanging leaves may result from under- or over-watering. You can propagate by sowing seed or dividing plants. New plants can be grown from these – simply separate them from the parent plant in spring and pot them up to grow on under cover. Dig a generous hole, adding plenty of rich compost. £17.50 each. Musa sikkimensis: Bronze markings on the young leaves and trunk. The banana plant has a limited range but Musa 'Dwarf Cavendish' and Musa 'Tropicana' are the most common varieties. 020 3176 5800 Feeding with a high-potassium fertiliser may help. Pot on in spring once a year, or every other year. 222879/SC038262, File one side of the seeds lightly and soak in warm water for 24 hours, Sow individually, 1cm (3/8in) deep, in pots of seed compost, Place in a warm location, at a temperature of 21-24ºC (70-75ºF). Find out all you need to know about growing Musa, in this detailed Grow Guide. times, RHS Registered Charity no. You may also need to protect the leaves with horticultural fleece. Most plants will benefit from a spring trim, to tidy ravaged leaves. Height 2-3m (6½-10ft). Seed is the best method for Ensete species as they do not produce suckers for dividing. Musa basjoo AGM: Often grown permanently outdoors in sheltered gardens in milder parts of the country, although it has been known to survive in sheltered northerly gardens. If you’re growing Musa in a conservatory or greenhouse, look out for mealybug and red spider mite. In autumn, reduce watering and feeding, watering only when on the dry side in winter. Rare and highly sought after, Hyacinth 'Midnight Mystic'® is the first and original black hyacinth. Height 2.4m (8ft). Although it will produce small bananas in maturity this plant is usually grown as an attractive architectural plant. Although they are tender plants, some species are hardy enough to leave outside over winter, especially in the milder parts of the UK, so they are worth experimenting with in the garden. Common pests include mealybug and red spider mite. Little pruning and training is needed. They may also successfully flower outdoors in favoured locations. Height 2m (6½ft). If you really want to ensure the plant's survival, another way to … Just cut away old leaves near their base and, when wrapping up plants outdoors for winter, some stems will need to be cut back. Free UK mainland Delivery. Plant in late spring, in a well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter (such as garden compost). Germination of fresh seed is quick, but older seed can take up to six months, Gradually move seedlings into more light and increase watering and feeding to encourage growth. Musa × paradisiaca ‘Rajapuri’: Deep green leaves and may produce edible fruits. Be inspired by stunning show gardens, and the beautiful floral marquee, plus live talks and more. Join the RHS today and get 12 months for the price of 9. The size of dwarf … Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm, Join the RHS today and support our charity. From the team at Gardeners' World Magazine, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine – receive 12 issues for only £39.99. Height 2.4m (8ft).