Plantain herb growing requires very little effort, as the plant grows across the country in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Plantain herb grows in full sun or partial shade and nearly any soil, including sandy or rocky soil.
Where do plantains grow best?
Requirements Plantains grow best in hot and humid climates, require a rainfall of at least 1000 mm (39.4 in) per year to survive and have a high light requirement. Plantains will grow optimally at 27°C (98.6°F) and require a deep soil, rich in organic matter which is well draining and well aerated.
Where do plantains naturally grow?
Plantains are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Both types grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America.
What kind of soil does plantain like?
Although broadleaf plantains prefer moist soil, they can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, including dry soils. They thrive well in disturbed and trampled soils prone to traffic and compaction.
Does plantain need full sun?
This perennial will grow in full sun or part shade, in virtually any soil type. It may be grown from seed or transplants.
How many years does plantain take to grow?
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.
What climate do plantains grow?
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.
How do you make plantains grow faster?
Full sun is ideal, but shade has its benefits too. Plantains grow fastest and produce the most fruit in full sun.
What is the best fertilizer for plantain?
Potassium fertiliser can be mixed with water and sprayed to the leaves and stems of the plantain plants. Plants make use of fertilisers quicker when applied on the leaves. However, the leaves can get scorched easily if the fertiliser is over applied.
What is the best time to plant plantain?
It is better to plant the plantains in the time of rainy season. The plant should grow without stress and vigorously during the first 3 to 4 months after planting, so don’t plant it during the last months of the rainy season. Many farmers plant the plantain with the beginning of rains.
How do you care for plantains?
Plantain trees will require constantly moist, but not waterlogged, soil. As a result, these trees will require a fairly large amount of water during the warmest months of the year. Try to water the soil whenever the top layer begins to dry out.
How do you care for a plantain farm?
Drip irrigation or trickle irrigation is the best form of irrigation for plantain farming and indeed most crops. With drip irrigation,, your plantain plants can get water all year round. Most plantain farmers in Nigeria cultivate this crop in the rainy season. Their plantain plants get only 5-6 months of rainfall.
What crop can be planted with plantain?
Intercropping of plantains with food crops : maize, cassava and cocoyams.
How often do plantain trees produce fruit?
How Long Does it Take For a Plantain Tree to Make Fruit? Plantains are usually ready for harvest anywhere from 14 to 20 months depending on the climate and other factors. Flowering usually happens within 10-15 months, while an additional 4-8 months is needed for fruit it develop and ripen.
Do plantains grow up or down?
Once the fruit is harvested, the entire plant will be cut down to the ground, and others will rise up, he says. Most of the plant’s energy is underground, and pups will sprout up around the mother plant. Plantains are part of the Musa genus, making bananas their sweeter cousin.
How do I plant plantain?
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.) from other plants to give it plenty of room to spread.
Does plantain grow all year round?
Plantains do not have a growing season and are, therefore, available year-round, especially on irrigated farmland. This makes them a reliable food source.
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% |
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.
Do bananas and plantains grow on the same tree?
It should come as no surprise to hear that plantain trees and banana trees are related. They grow in remarkably similar ways, but they are considered different species from one another. For example, the plantain tree is classified as Musa balbisiana, while the banana tree is classified as Musa acuminata.
Can you eat plantains raw?
Ripe plantains are sweet like a banana, without the banana flavor. They can be eaten raw but are best when fried. The edges caramelize and become crispy like the edges of pancakes cooked in butter.