When to Plant Banana in Brisbane — Subtropical Guide

Banana

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Technically the world's largest herb, not a tree. The 'trunk' is a pseudostem made of tightly wrapped leaf bases. Propagated by suckers (pups) from the base of the mother plant - commercial bananas are seedless and sterile. Each pseudostem fruits once then dies, replaced by suckers. Strictly tropical/subtropical in Australia. Biosecurity restrictions apply to plant movement between states due to Panama disease.

How to Grow Banana in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Plant September-February when soil is warm. Growth slows dramatically May-August.

Soil
Deep, rich, well-drained loam with high organic matter. Bananas are gross feeders and need fertile soil. Sandy soils need heavy composting.
pH Range
5.5-6.5
Sunlight
Full sun, sheltered from strong wind. Wind shreds leaves (cosmetic damage) and can topple plants.

Companion plants: Sweet potato (ground cover), Comfrey, Lemongrass

Avoid planting near: Nothing specific, but keep away from structures due to spreading root mat

Subtropical Growing Tips for Banana

Recommended Varieties

  • Lady Finger
  • Ducasse
  • Goldfinger
  • Cavendish (Williams)
  • Blue Java (Ice Cream Banana)

Key Challenges

  • Winter cold slows growth to near-zero (below 14°C)
  • Frost kills leaves, severe frost kills pseudostem
  • Longer time to fruit than tropical (15-24 months from sucker)

Pro Tips

  • SEQ grows excellent bananas. Lady Finger is the best performer for backyard growers.
  • Protect from frost in first winter - hessian wrap or frost cloth on pseudostem.
  • North-facing position against a dark-coloured wall or fence is ideal.

Harvesting Banana

When ready: Fingers (individual bananas) are plump and rounded (not angular/ridged). Flower petals at tip of each finger dry and rub off easily. Wait until fingers start to turn slightly yellow on the bunch, OR harvest when full-sized but green and ripen indoors.

How to harvest: Cut entire bunch with machete or heavy knife. Support bunch weight as you cut - they're heavier than you think (15-40kg). Hang in cool shady spot to ripen. Ripen faster in paper bag with ethylene-producing fruit (apple).

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