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 fast do plantain trees grow?
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. To harvest, simply cut off the entire bunch from the top of the stalk.
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.
How many years does it take plantain to mature?
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.
Do plantain trees need full sun?
Plus, banana trees can make good indoor plants with enough light, though they typically don’t bear fruit indoors.
Bring a tropical flair to your home with these easy-growing fruit plants.
| Common Names | Banana tree, plantain tree |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure | Full |
| Soil Type | Loamy, well-drained |
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.
How long does a plantain tree live?
However, a plantation can grow for 25 years or more if managed properly. The trees can reach heights between 2 and 9 m (6.6–29.5 ft).
How long does it take for a plantain tree to bear fruit?
Flowering takes 10-15 months of mild temperatures and yet another 4-8 months to fruit. Flowers are produced from the pseudostem and develop into a cluster of hanging fruit.
How do you prune a plantain tree?
Pruning Banana Plants
- Only one primary stem of each rhizome should be allowed to fruit.
- Once the main stalk is 6-8 months old, permit one sucker to develop as a replacement stalk for the following season.
- When the fruit is harvested, cut the fruiting stalk back to 30 inches above the ground.
How do you take care of a plantain tree?
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.
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.
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 crop can be planted with plantain?
Intercropping of plantains with food crops : maize, cassava and cocoyams.
Can you plant a banana tree close to the house?
You need not worry about banana tree roots damaging the foundations of your home, sidewalks, or even your underground water lines. While the size and reach of the root system may be substantial, it will not cause damage to your home or infrastructure, unlike many other trees.
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 is the spacing for planting plantain?
The recommended distance between the plantain rows is 3 m or 2 m. It is also possible to leave 2.5 m of a spacing distance. In the case of 2.5 m spacing, 1 hectare should contain 1600 plants. The farmer should align the rows to give plants a needed amount of sunlight.
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 start a plantain plantation?
How to start plantain farming in Nigeria
- Conduct a feasibility study.
- Get yourself trained in modern farming.
- Acquire farmland.
- Land preparation.
- Install drip irrigation.
- Get clean tissue cultured plantain seedlings.
- Do the planting.
- Farm management.
What are plantain leaves used for?
Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for cough , wounds , inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites. Bruised or crushed leaves have been applied topically to treat insect bites and stings, eczema , and small wounds or cuts.
What causes plantains to split?
While banana trees like consistently warm, humid weather, they suffer under temperature extremes. The peel may split when exposed to high temperatures combined with high relative humidity.
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.