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Banana Trees That Do Not Bear Fruit

Bananas are staple crops around the world. They require specific conditions to thrive. They favor warm, tropical areas and do best in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 9 and higher. They are not trees, but large herbs that grow in clumps, called suckers. Each sucker can produce fruit but only if nutritional and environmental conditions are met. A banana plant that is not producing fruit is likely lacking an important element.

  1. Water

    • Banana plants are one of the few plants that cannot be over watered. Because it originates in tropical climates, all banana varieties require frequent, deep watering. It requires as much as an inch and a half of water per week and may require more if the weather is especially hot or dry. Keep the soil moist but leave no standing water.

    Environmental Conditions

    • All banana plants thrive in full sun and hot weather. They require a lightweight soil that drains well, allowing root development and preventing standing water. Ideal soil types include loam, although rocky soil or those including volcanic ash also work well. Place the plant in the warmest available location with the most possible sun exposure. Banana plants do best with a minimum of 12 hours sunlight per day. Although varieties in partial shade will grow, height and fruit production are stunted. Growers in certain areas may need to protect trees from high winds, particularly those recently planted.

    Nitrogen Deficiency

    • Nitrogen is an integral part of banana plant health. A deficiency causes an overall decline in health, including reduced or lack of fruit production. Damaged roots, poor soil or a number of other problems may result in nitrogen deficiency. Leaf yellowing and premature leaf drop are early signs. Prevent or fix the problem with two feedings, one at the beginning of growing season, and the other at the midpoint. The first requires application of a 13-13-13 fertilizer, which means equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The second fertilizer dosage should be done with an 8-8-24 formula for optimal fruit production.

    Cold Exposure

    • Banana plants are cold intolerant. Root protection is essential in areas where freezing is likely. If the freeze is short-lived, flooding the roots before cold weather provides a temporary barrier from the cool weather. Longer-term options include covering the plant with gardening fleece or blankets, or tenting to protect from hail and strong winds. In regions with seasonal cold snaps, growers should consider a cold-hardy variety, including the Musa Basjoo or the Ice Cream. Both withstand cooler weather better than traditional species.

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