Hello WB
Can you please share on what organic fertiliser to add to banana plant for harvesting banana with very sweet taste. Our is Sugar Banana variety.
Many thanks.
Happy Gardening.
MM.
Hi @nagumuthu
I suggest using Richgro 1kg Soluble Powder Sulphate Of Potash as banana trees consume a lot of minerals in the soil. Aside from a good water regimen make sure to remove dead leaves and keep the bottom area clean.
Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a face mask when handling and applying fertilizer to the banana tree.
Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @Adam_W for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
In addition to the sulfate of potash recommended by Eric, I would include an organic all purpose fertiliser which contains the full range of nutrients needed for healthy plant growth and fruiting, including the major elements nitrogen and phosphorus plus minor (calcium, iron, magnesium, sulfur) and trace elements (manganese, boron, etc). Bananas are gross feeders so need regular applications of all purpose/complete fertiliser as per the directions for use on the label.
Banana plants grow in a similar fashion to clumping bamboo - they produce lots of 'pups' or new shoots from the crown of the plant at ground level. The parts that have borne fruit will die and should be are cut down or cut off and removed entirely after the fruit is harvested, to encourage the new shoots that will carry the next crop. Clumps can be lifted, with each new shoot separated out and replanted individually, when they become too congested.
Apply sulphate of Potash about every 6-8 weeks. A good full handful. This will help improve quality of flowers and fruits. It also helps sweeten sour fruits.
Thanks @EricL.
Hello @EricL @Noelle
Can you please send a link from Bunnings website for the fertiliser @Noelle recommended.
Sorry. I am learning and not sure of the right product for the purpose. Bunnings has a lot of them and not sure which one to choose. Thus the request.
Thanks
MM
Thanks @mich1972.
Thats very helpful for the feeding quantity.
Hello @Noelle @mich1972
A quick one. Can the phosphate and fertiliser be applied at the same time together.
Can they be applied at any stage of plant growth like small, mid and grown banana tree.
Scotts Performance Naturals All Purpose Fertiliser - https://www.bunnings.com.au/scotts-performance-naturals-2-5kg-all-purpose-organic-based-fertiliser_p0182067
Yes, you can apply the sulphate opf potash and the All Purpose Fertiliser at the same time - be sure to read the instructions on each which will tell you how much to use.
@nagumuthu Noelle ALWAYS gives everyone the best advice, she’s great and full of knowledge 😃
Just to add a bit more to the excellent advice already received:
Good luck.
Thanks @robchin.
Is https://www.bunnings.com.au/hortico-10kg-organic-garden-fertiliser_p2960033?referrer=RetailApp&utm_source=Bunnings&utm_medium=ProductFinder&utm_campaign=BuyThisProductOnline good for the fertiliser for banana.
mentioning @EricL @mich1972 @Noelle for keeping them in loop.
The Hortico 10kg Organic Garden Fertiliser should be safe to apply to your banana trees. But it's better to use the one @Noelle mentioned which is the all-purpose fertilizer. A good example is the Richgro 5kg All Purpose Complete Garden Fertiliser, but there are others at the store, I suggest visiting your local store and having a nice friendly chat with our plant specialist. They'll be able to show you the other types that are available.
Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a face mask when handling the fertilizer mix.
Hello @EricL
Thanks for the recommendation (Richgro complete Garden Fertilizer). Now added the shopping list.
Hi again.
Sorry, I was thinking more of compost in the hole and the time of planting and/or re-planting. Something like this if you don't aren't making your own compost: Garden Basics 25L Organic Compost - Bunnings Australia
The Organic garden fertiliser is a good recommendation though. Bananas are gross feeders.
Thanks @Noelle
And one last thought @nagumuthu... many gardeners swear by using epsom salts to improve flavour in fruit. I've found with my bananas that there are a lot of factors effect fruit size an flavour. I generally found smaller fruit had a more intense flavour and they were often smaller after a dry period.
