Banana (Large Seeded)
Ensete vertricosum. (Large Seeded) Also known as Ethopian Banana. A fast growing plant that makes a wonderful centerpiece in an outdoor container, or a handsome tropical houseplant. Can grow to 20 feet high in warm climates or in a large solarium. Gets 2-3 feet the first year and up to 4-5 feet in the second. Prefers full sun to light shade where summers are hot. Easy to overwinter in any bright room. Approximately 5 seeds/pkg, 13 seeds/25g.
Germanation can be erratic, please follow directions below.
Details
Growing Information
Planting:
Start indoors. Germination can be erratic and generally takes 3-6 months at 24-30 degrees C. Soak seed for at least 24 hrs (up to 4 days) in warm water before sowing. Cracking or ‘taking a nick’ out of the seed coat can be helpful but is difficult to do. Sow just below soil surface; keep in a moist, dark place. Bottom heat is helpful. Inspect regularly. As soon as a seed starts to germinate, carefully dig it out and plant into a 5 inch pot. Plant outside after last frost or grow in a sunny room.
Growing:
Indoors they can gets 2-3 feet the first year and 4-5 feet the second year. In our outdoor display gardens at Veseys they have grown to over 7 feet tall in a single season! Prefers full sun to light shade where summers are hot. Keep well watered and fertilize regularly. Protect from frost. Not hardy.