January 25, 2003
Question: Is it possible to grow banana plants such as the ones we get in the grocery stores in southwest Florida? If so, where can we get the plants?
- Tony Vetter, Cape Coral
Answer: Yes, you can grow quality bananas in south Florida. The banana found in the supermarkets is primarily the Grande Naine cultivar. It is mainly an Ecuadoran import. This latest of cultivars has replaced the Cavendish and Gros Michel both of which held sway over the world’s banana industry for many years. The latter two cultivars are highly susceptible to Panama and sigatoka diseases and as such have been replaced by the former. The new cultivar is considerably more resistant to the traditional banana diseases but it too can succumb if grown in areas with large banana populations.
For residential production, however, the cultivar, Goldfinger, is probably superior to the commercial Grande Naine. Goldfinger is an excellent eating fruit and is more resistant to common banana diseases. This garden cultivar was developed in Honduras. To acquire bananas for your garden, contact Going Bananas in Homestead, Florida. Their number is (305) 247-0397 or go on line to view their catalog at www.going-bananas.com.
Stephen Brown is a horticulture agent with the Lee County Extension.
To submit questions call the horticulture desk at 461-7504 between 9 a.m. and 4
p.m. or via e-mail at
shb@mail.ifas.ufl.edu. Listen to the ‘Garden Show’ at 8 a.m. on
1200-AM WINK/WNOG.