How to Care for Frost-Damaged Banana Trees

Banana plants primarily grow in tropical and subtropical climates, but you can successfully grow bananas in areas that experience some winter frost with proper care and by growing the right variety. Frost hardiness varies among the different types of banana trees, with hardy types like Musa basjoo surviving temperatures of 28 degrees F or lower. The frost still damages the plants, but you can often revive the banana as long as the root system survived the cold weather.

Things You'll Need

Straw mulch
Pruning shears

Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Mulch the base of the banana with a 6- to 8-inch layer of straw mulch or shredded leaves. Lay the mulch before a hard freeze, when possible. If a freeze has already occurred, mulching can prevent further root damage.
- 2
  Cut back the banana stems to the ground. Temperatures below 32 degrees F typically cause the stems to die back on all banana varieties. Dispose of the removed dead stems after pruning.
- 3
  Resume regular watering in spring when the banana roots begin sending up new stems. Provide 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.
- 4
  Remove the mulch gradually as the danger of frost passes. Keep the mulch nearby so you can quickly replace it if a late-season frost is predicted.
- 5
  Resume fertilization once the banana is actively growing again in spring. Apply ½ lb. of 6-2-12 fertilizer to encourage the plant to put out new, undamaged growth.

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