Musa9

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

Welcome here

Snarkie

Welcome aboard the Banana Express.

__________________
Doug (D.A. Hänks) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2955582/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1


The Only Eastern Redwood Forest in America




"Nuke my 'nanners, will you?!"

edwmax

Fertilizer info can be found on the forum wiki and other web locations: Info:Fertilizer - Bananas Wiki 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

Thank you for the information. It's really appreciated.

edwmax

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

Compost Teas rarely contain the ratios of nutrients of the original compost.

__________________
Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

HMelendez

Welcome to the banana gang!....

__________________