Initial plantain plant care requires well-draining soil, regular watering, and protection from wind or frost. Choose a sunny, warm area of your garden and dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball. Plant the plantain at the same level it was growing in the pot. Keep the plantain 4-6 feet (1-2 m.)
What is the best month to plant plantain?
Planting plantain suckers in the month of June will allow the suckers to grow well because this month is the heart of the rainy season. The maturity time of plantain when planted in June will fall in the lean time which will enable the farmer to sell at a high price.
Which part of plantain do we plant?
Suckers Plantains are vegetatively propagated, most often from suckers (shoots that grow from a bud at the base of the plant) or from corms (underground bulbs known as rhizomes). The use of whole corms is very laborious so it is more common to grow from small pieces of corm.
What is the best soil for planting plantain?
Loamy soils
The best type of soil for plantain is loam. Loamy soils are the best producing soils for plantain farming because they contain a large percentage of organic components, compared to the inorganic parts. Organic materials, such as decaying plants and insects, provide soil with air, nutrients and water-retaining matter.
How many months does it take to grow plantain?
Plantain takes about 8 months to start to yield and about 3 months to mature. That’s to say, it takes about a year to have the first harvest from the planting date.
How long does it take for a plantain tree to bear fruit?
Plantains come from the tropics, where they can grow almost year-round and flower and fruit at any time. In these conditions, they can bear fruit in as little as nine to twelve months after planting.
How many times does plantain produce in a year?
Each grown up plant would produce a minimum of three suckers, and if he could harvest one sucker from each and could sell at N100, the farmer would make additional N150,000. The harvest cycles continue for a minimum of four to six years, or more, depending on land rejuvenation system and farm maintenance practices.
What is the difference between a plantain tree and a banana tree?
Both of these plants grow pseudostems that appear to form a complete trunk, but it is in fact various offshoots of the plant itself. The banana tree grows flowers that are white or cream, while plantain trees grow red or maroon flowers. However, they both produce fruit in a similar fashion as well.
What is the spacing for planting plantain?
The recommended spacing for planting plantain is 3m between the plantain rows and 2 m within the row (in other words = 3 m x 2 m). An alternative is 2.5 m x 2.5 m. If spaced 3 m x 2 m, 1 hectare should contain 1667 plants, but with a spacing of 2.5 m x 2.5 m, it should contain 1600 plants.
Where does plantain grow best?
Plantain herb grows in full sun or partial shade and nearly any soil, including sandy or rocky soil. Plant seeds directly in the garden in spring or start them indoors a few weeks ahead of time. A week of chilling time in the refrigerator (stratification) helps ensure germination.
How do you prepare soil for plantains?
Plant holes are prepared with a minimum size of about 30 cm x 30cm x 30 cm, which is about the length of a plastic ruler. Holes can be dug with a shovel. If you are planting for fruit production it should be spaced about 8 to 10 feet. Care should be taken to separate the topsoil from bottom soil.
How tall do plantain trees get?
12 to 15 feet tall
Climbing up to 12 to 15 feet tall, the plantain tree is known for ornamental beauty, even without the fruit. Its giant leaves wrap around its trunk and its purple bud-like flowers are produced from the pseudostem and develop into a cluster of hanging fruit. This tree isn’t necessarily the easiest to grow.
How much does it cost to start a plantain plantation?
Investment Returns
| INVESTMENT PACKAGE | INITIAL INVESTMENT | RETURN ON INVESTMENT (Calculated on your net profit) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 HECTARE PLANTAIN PLANTATION | 2,376,482.00 | 35% |
| 1 ACRE PLANTAIN PLANTATION | 1,092,368.20 | 29% |
Is plantain a tree or a plant?
A plantain tree is an herbaceous flowering plant in the banana family that produces starchy fruits called plantains. Despite the fact that plantain plants are commonly referred to as “trees” and can grow to heights up to 20 to 25 feet, they are not actually trees.
How do you prune a plantain tree?
The best time to prune is after harvesting the fruit. Prune the yellow and diseased leaves while starting from the outer side of the banana tree. Then move gradually towards the inner leaves. Only the main stalk should remain intact and all the suckers and lower leaves should be removed with a clean knife or blade.
How do you transplant a plantain tree?
How to Transplant a Banana Plant
- Fill the banana plant’s container with water 24 hours before transplanting.
- Wash the new plant pot and sharp scissors with soapy water.
- Mix one part potting soil, one part perlite and two parts peat moss.
- Remove the banana plant from its plant pot.
What climate do plantains grow in?
Plantains require warmth to grow, with growth stopping completely at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A year-round mild climate is suitable for plantains, though they do best in tropical temperatures and may need protection from the cold.
Is plantain a tree or shrub?
The plantain plant is a gigantic herb that springs from an underground stem, or rhizome. Most varieties are 3–10 metres (10–33 feet) tall and have a conical false “trunk” formed by the leaf sheaths of long spirally arranged leaves.
What type of fertilizer is good for plantain?
As with all plants, some feeding is required. Feed the plant once a month during the summer with a slow-release 8-10-8 fertilizer. A heavy feeder, a mature tree needs about 1-2 pounds (0.5-1 kg.), spread out in a 4-8 foot (1-2.5 m.) radius around the plant, and then lightly worked into the soil.
How do you know when plantains are ready to pick?
Plantain maturity can be judged by the include age of the bunch, fruit diameter, the shape of the fruit, and peel colour. Plantains usually require about 3 months from the beginning of flowering until harvest. Bunches should be tagged with different coloured ribbons at the time of fruit appearance.
How do you increase plantain yield?
Intercropping with pumpkin, taro and tannia increased plantain yield even without fertiliser application.