Why isn't my banana plant fruiting?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Although my initial banana plant produced loads of green leaves, it did not bear fruit for two years, until I finally realized that a mango tree I had just planted was blocking sunlight to the banana plant. Bananas, just like any other fruit plant, require at least six to eight hours of direct sun per day. If the plant is shaded, it will put out leaves instead of flowers, which then delays the formation of the fruit indefinitely.
Light Deficiencies
- Minimum 6 hours direct sunlight required
- Trim overhead branches blocking light
- Use reflective mulch to boost intensity
- Relocate potted plants to south-facing areas
Soil pH Imbalances
- Test soil annually with digital probe
- Adjust to 5.5-7.0 pH using lime (raise) or sulfur (lower)
- Combat alkalinity with peat moss amendments
- Avoid fresh manure, over-fertilization locks nutrients
Soil testing changed my harvests, entirely, for the price of a $20 meter I discovered my soil pH level was 7.8, which was too alkaline to absorb nutrients properly. I added elemental sulfur to my soil, and ten weeks later, I had flowers blooming. I'm now testing every quarter. If I have to adjust, I do. You can't rely on bananas to signal your needs. You need to monitor proactively.
Heat/Cold Protection
- Below 57°F (14°C): Use frost blankets + mulch
- Above 100°F (38°C): Mist leaves at dawn
- Potted plants: Move indoors during extremes
- Install thermometers at root/shoot zones
Young plants can be a test of your patience. In my case, my Dwarf Cavendish took 18 months to begin fruiting, which is not uncommon for many varieties. Keep a record of your planting date and compare it to the timeline of that specific cultivar. If your plant is healthy but is not flowering, continue to give time, beyond what is expected. Any preemptive action can cause even more stress for the plant. Just be patient and trust the process.
Read the full article: How to Grow Bananas: Expert Tips for Bountiful Harvests
