View Full Version : What is the best food for my Japanese Banana plants
Musa9
01-18-2017, 11:47 AM
Hello,
This is my 1st post.
I live in Brightlingsea, Essex, UK. I have two 15yr old Japanese Banana plants.
They used live outside, when we were in Bedfordshire. However we now have a conservatory. And as it's very windy here. I keep them inside all year round.
Just recently they started fruiting, and I have about 11 baby bananas.
Should I feed the plant, and if so, what is the best feed I can buy for them.
Bare in mind it is January and the English winter.
JBijl
01-18-2017, 12:44 PM
Welcome here
Snarkie
01-20-2017, 10:01 AM
Welcome aboard the Banana Express. :nanerwaveytrain:
edwmax
01-20-2017, 11:59 AM
Fertilizer info can be found on the forum wiki and other web locations: Info:Fertilizer - Bananas Wiki (http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Info:Fertilizer) From the wiki info, a mature Banana plant needs 1 lb of nitrogen and 1 1/2 lb potassium per year; younger banana plants less.
So if you understand the N-K-P ratio of fertilizer, you can then determine the amount to apply and the economical cost. Exam: Using 10-10-10 fertilizer for 1 lb of nitrogen: 1 lb/ 10% = 10 lb fertilizer /year ... divided during the growing season. This would also supply 1 lb of the potassium needed. An additional 1/2 lb potassium needs to be applied later in the growing season before fruiting by a supplement. Using 0-0-60 potash, only a little less than 1 lb is needed (.5 lb / 60% = .83 lbs).
Knowing the wt of N-K-P fertilizer required, you can:
* apply the fertilizer as needed and add the extra potassium later;
* mix the fertilizer & potassium and apply;
* or, just add extra N-K-P fertilizer to account for the potassium needed; per example above this would be 15 lbs of 10-10-10 being careful of not applying too much nitrogen at one time.
There are special fertilizer mixes available, aka banana fuel. These are about $8 /lb & more plus shipping. I can buy 50 lb of 10-10-10 at $10 (40 lb for $14 at Walmart). My cost per plant using 10-10-10 fert. is about $2 (10 lb) to $3 (15 lb) applied.
You cost mileage may vary depending on the N-K-P fertilizer available and the cost or sell/discounts that are available in your area. Mix/blend your own to meet your needs.
Musa9
01-21-2017, 06:03 AM
Thank you for the information. It's really appreciated.
edwmax
01-21-2017, 08:07 AM
The opening question was what is the 'best Food' for banana plants? The best 'food' would be compost, manure, wood ashes (potash). While these are naturally rich in nitrogen & micro-nutriments, it is difficult to know exact N-K-P make up of 'home made' compost. Also, for potted bananas it would be more difficult to apply in the quantities needed. ... A 'compost tea' could be occasionally applied to potted bananas.
Richard
01-21-2017, 12:44 PM
Compost Teas rarely contain the ratios of nutrients of the original compost.
HMelendez
01-22-2017, 05:52 AM
Welcome to the banana gang!....:2723::bananarow::2723:
vBulletin® v3.6.8, Copyright ©2000-2020, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.