figsofcourse

Thanks all. I'll add shade and above-ground sprinkler/humidity to see if that is going to be the big fix for my site.

Still have a nagging feeling that I am doing something wrong, since others in Phoenix are growing bananas -- in our ph 8 soil and some in full sun. On flood irrigation and on drip. At least one nursery loves to espouse "full sun plant!" but I should know better than to trust that.

They are definitely a hobby plant here, no one is going to run a plantation anytime soon or sell bananas by the roadside. Mine are just taking one heck of a beating.