If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably dreamed of growing bananas in your backyard—even if you live in a colder climate. That’s where Musa Basjoo, also known as the hardy banana, comes in. This plant has become one of my favorite tropical-looking additions to my landscape, even though I live in a zone that gets snow. Over time, I’ve learned the ins and outs of growing, caring for, and understanding this unique banana plant. Here’s everything you need to know about Musa Basjoo, in FAQ style, based on my firsthand experience.
Does Musa Basjoo Produce Fruit?
Let’s start with the most common question I get: Does Musa Basjoo Produce Fruit? Yes, it does. After a couple of years—if the growing conditions are right—Musa Basjoo produces fruit. However, the plant needs a long, frost-free season to bloom and set fruit, which can be a challenge outside of USDA zones 8–11. In colder areas, the top growth usually dies back in winter, resetting the flowering cycle.
Is Musa Basjoo Edible?
Technically, yes—but you probably won’t want to. Musa Basjoo does produce fruit, but the small bananas are full of seeds and are not palatable like the sweet Cavendish bananas we buy at the grocery store. So while Musa Basjoo is edible, it’s not grown for culinary use. It’s primarily ornamental.
Can Musa Basjoo Grow in Pots?
Absolutely! In fact, growing Musa Basjoo in pots is a great option if you live in a colder climate and want to move it indoors during the winter. I’ve done this with younger plants and kept them on my patio during summer. Just make sure the container is large, drains well, and the plant gets ample water and fertilizer during the growing season.
How Fast Does Musa Basjoo Grow?
How fast do Musa Basjoo grow? Fast. Seriously fast. In a single season, I’ve had stalks shoot up to 10 feet tall. Under ideal conditions—rich soil, full sun, and regular watering—Musa Basjoo grows at a rate of 2–3 feet per month. It’s incredibly rewarding if you’re looking for instant jungle vibes.
How Tall Does Musa Basjoo Grow?
In my zone 7 garden, with good mulching and winter care, I’ve seen Musa Basjoo grow to about 12 feet tall in one season. In warmer zones, they can reach up to 18 feet. The height largely depends on how well the pseudostem survives winter and how early in spring it starts growing again.
How Often to Water Musa Basjoo?
This plant loves water. During the heat of summer, I water mine every other day, especially if it’s in a pot. Consistent moisture is key. The large leaves wilt quickly if the plant dries out. However, be cautious not to let the roots sit in waterlogged soil.
Does Musa Basjoo Need Full Sun?
Yes. Musa Basjoo needs full sun to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade, but you’ll get slower growth and smaller leaves. I always plant mine in the sunniest part of my yard for maximum size and lushness.
How to Plant Musa Basjoo?
I start by choosing a well-draining location with full sun. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, amend with compost, and plant it level with the surrounding soil. Mulch generously. If you’re wondering how to plant a Musa Basjoo banana, the process is nearly identical to planting any perennial—but with more emphasis on moisture retention and heat.
How to Care for Musa Basjoo?
Caring for Musa Basjoo involves a combination of rich soil, consistent water, full sun, and regular feeding. I use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring, followed by monthly doses of high-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season. Dead leaves should be trimmed to keep it looking tidy.
How to Overwinter Musa Basjoo?
In colder zones, this is the key to success. How to winterize Musa Basjoo? First, after the first frost kills the leaves, cut the stem down to about 2–3 feet. Then, mulch heavily with leaves, straw, or pine needles. In extreme cold, I’ve even built a chicken wire cage and stuffed it with insulation. Come spring, I uncover Musa Basjoo once night temperatures consistently stay above 50°F.
Where to Plant Musa Basjoo?
Plant it in a sheltered, sunny spot with protection from strong winds. It pairs beautifully with cannas, elephant ears, and other bold-leaved tropicals.
How to Propagate Musa Basjoo?
Musa Basjoo spreads via underground rhizomes, forming clumps over time. To propagate, I simply dig up suckers (pups) in spring or early summer and replant them in pots or another location.
When to Plant Musa Basjoo Outside?
Wait until all danger of frost has passed. In my zone, that means mid to late spring. If you’re planting a new one, give it a head start by keeping it in a container indoors until temperatures stabilize.
Where to Buy Musa Basjoo?
You can find it at local nurseries, especially those with tropical or exotic plant sections. It’s also widely available online from reputable growers like Logee’s or Plant Delights.
Musa Basjoo vs Cavendish
The Cavendish banana is the sweet variety we eat. Musa Basjoo, on the other hand, is grown mainly for ornamental purposes. Cavendish needs tropical conditions year-round. Musa Basjoo can survive winters in zones as low as 5–6 with proper mulching. That makes it the cold-hardy champion of the banana world.
Growing Musa Basjoo has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my gardening life. It’s low-maintenance, dramatic, and a real conversation piece. Whether you want to grow it in a pot, in the ground, or in a lush backyard jungle, it’s a stunning addition that can thrive with just a little love and attention.
If i die, water my plants!
