Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
Good Soil for Banana Planting
Good Soil for Banana Planting. The sun-loving banana plant requires a rich, fast-draining, moist soil that mimics the terrain of its native tropical habitat. While most banana plant varietals grow across the warmer regions of the United States, new strains can survive the cold temperatures present through USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7.
The sun-loving banana plant requires a rich, fast-draining, moist soil that mimics the terrain of its native tropical habitat. While most banana plant varietals grow across the warmer regions of the United States, new strains can survive the cold temperatures present through USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7.
pH
Bananas originate in rainy Malaysia, where regular rainfall slowly increases soil acidity acidity. As a result, banana plants prefer soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Salty soil can damage and eventually kill a banana plant. Gardeners can increase soil acidity by working sulfur or ammonium sulfate into the soil. Watering slowly and deeply helps to rinse excess salts from the soil.
Water
Banana plants require plenty of water to sustain their large leaves. Maintain moisture in the soil by watering thoroughly in warm weather, particularly for container plants. During the cooler winter months, standing water can particularly damage plants by contributing to root rot.
Soil Texture
Gardeners can avoid root rot and encourage vigorous growth by planting banana trees in well-drained, rich soil. Add 20 percent perlite to a potting soil mix to create soil that drains effectively. Periodic additions of mulch increase the nutrients available in the soil while protecting roots. Ideal locations for planting banana trees include an expired compost pile.
