Banana fertilizing

JCA433 · 05-15-2011, 05:44 PM

Where do you apply the fertilizer? Along the drip line only or spread it one foot past the trunk to the drip line? I do not want to burn the plant and will use a slow release fertilizer 5 lbs(3 months) 6-2-12. Is 5 pounds enough for 3 months for only one mat ?

Richard · 05-15-2011, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCA433

Where do you apply the fertilizer? Along the drip line only or spread it one foot past the trunk to the drip line? I do not want to burn the plant and will use a slow release fertilizer 5 lbs(3 months) 6-2-12. Is 5 pounds enough for 3 months for only one mat ?

For fruiting plants past the juvenile stage (base diameter over 1 inch), use no more than 12.5 pounds of 6-2-12 per year per plant. Do not apply all in one feeding, but instead divide into 4 to 8 feedings per year. If your fertilizer is water soluble, then dissolve in water before applying to the root zone. Use enough water to deliver the fertilizer to the roots but avoid runoff. If it is a granular, then apply where the irrigation water will hit it, preferably evenly in a 32-inch radius around each plant.

If your banana plants are non-fruiting ornamentals, then the 6-2-12 is a poor choice. Choose something instead with an N-P-K that is relatively High-Low-Medium such as 9-3-6, 20-10-15, or 28-8-18.

JCA433 · 05-15-2011, 10:39 PM

My banana plant is over 7 feet tall and the trunk is huge and very thick. The leaves are huge also. This banana is an dwarf orinoco and is expected to fruit this year possiblly in the next month. Does the banana have feeder roots inside the drip line? I read someplace not to apply fertilizer near the trunk and during active growth 1.5 pounds 6-2-12 fertilizer per month. My fertilizer is a slow release fertilizer.

Richard · 05-15-2011, 11:16 PM

Musa does not have a true drip line like a shrub or tree. It is an herb. The life of the plant is the corm - a modified bulb, which has a somewhat shallow, local root system. Your slow-release fertilizer is not a problem in your situation. After the plant flowers the plant will continue to feed for months while the fruit matures.

Bob3 · 05-16-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

If your banana plants are non-fruiting ornamentals, then the 6-2-12 is a poor choice. Choose something instead with an N-P-K that is relatively High-Low-Medium such as 9-3-6, 20-10-15, or 28-8-18.

What are the most common optimum N_P_K blends for fruiting cultivars?
We've got a few Dwarf Orinocos here too & they have the irritating habit of flowering late in the season, going dormant over winter so fruit usually hangs almost a year before it's ready to chow down on.
Happily with the orinocos they lend themselves well to both cooking (green) as well as eating out of hand (yellow).
We usually leave them on the plant 'till some traces of yellowing for eating out of hand.

Richard · 05-16-2011, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob3

What are the most common optimum N_P_K blends for fruiting cultivars?

In your subtropical location: 20-5-30. It is available from Grow More, Peters, and perhaps a few other brands.

Dreaminofthetropics · 05-16-2011, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

In your subtropical location: 20-5-30. It is available from Grow More, Peters, and perhaps a few other brands.

Where would you find these? Also, do you guys have any input on fertilizing organically? I used ALOT of compost around all of my bananas and also put worm castings, is that enough? I think Chris (Rmplmnz) that gave me the bananas only uses compost/manure/leaves for his and he has fruit and flowers on quite a few of his trees. Any input?

Richard · 05-16-2011, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreaminofthetropics

Where would you find these? [20-5-30. It is available from Grow More, Peters, and perhaps a few other brands.]

Google Shopping is one approach.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreaminofthetropics

Also, do you guys have any input on fertilizing organically?

We know from biological studies that fruiting Musa have the capacity for 1 net pound of Nitrogen and 1.5 net pounds of Potash per year, and the necessity for a wide range of minor- and micro-nutrients.

Fish Emulsion plus Sul-Po-Mag is one way to achieve the 2:3 ratio with natural ingredients. Both are widely available -- probably at a nursery in your area. For Fish Emulsion products that are 5% Nitrogen (e.g., 5-1-1) use 3/4 cup Sul-Po-Mag for every 3 cups Fish Emulsion. Consider this dosage a maximum per plant per month for non-juvenile plants (base diameter greater than 1 inch).

If you want to be "organic", then that is a whole other discussion: Organic.

Bob3 · 05-17-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Where would you find these?

Here's another source:
Product Search Results - PlantsThatProduce.com

Dreaminofthetropics · 05-18-2011, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob3

Here's another source:
Product Search Results - PlantsThatProduce.com

How much of the grow more banana fuel would you use per banana and how often? Also I notice this is lacking in potassium what is a good source of potassium? Any other supplements you use?

Richard · 05-18-2011, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreaminofthetropics

How much of the grow more banana fuel would you use per banana and how often? Also I notice this is lacking in potassium ...

It is 30% potash equivalent, or roughly 25% elemental potassium. Of course, it is not in the elemental form which can start a fire on exposure to air at room temperature!

If you are in a subtropical zone, 20-5-30 (or similar ratios such as 8-2-12) with minor- and micro-nutrients is ideal. If you are in tropical or near tropical zones with abundant nitrogen in the environment, then 15-10-30 is a better choice.

BANANA FUEL DOSAGES DURING ACTIVE GROWTH SEASONS:
Very Young Plants, TC's: 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water every watering.
Young Plant in 2 gallon pot: 2 tablespoons per month.
Plant (not juvenile) in 10 to 20 gallon pot: 1/4 cup per month.
Plant in ground with significant root space: 3/4 cup per month.
Hydroponics @ 150 ppm K: 1 Tbs per 6.5 gallons of water.

cherokee_greg · 05-18-2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreaminofthetropics

How much of the grow more banana fuel would you use per banana and how often? Also I notice this is lacking in potassium what is a good source of potassium? Any other supplements you use?

here ya go
Water Soluble Banana Fuel Dosages

cherokee_greg · 05-18-2011, 04:05 PM

oh Richard allready answered sorry.

Dreaminofthetropics · 05-18-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

It is 30% potash equivalent, or roughly 25% elemental potassium. Of course, it is not in the elemental form which can start a fire on exposure to air at room temperature!

If you are in a subtropical zone, 20-5-30 (or similar ratios such as 8-2-12) with minor- and micro-nutrients is ideal. If you are in tropical or near tropical zones with abundant nitrogen in the environment, then 15-10-30 is a better choice.

BANANA FUEL DOSAGES DURING ACTIVE GROWTH SEASONS:
Very Young Plants, TC's: 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water every watering.
Young Plant in 2 gallon pot: 2 tablespoons per month.
Plant (not juvenile) in 10 to 20 gallon pot: 1/4 cup per month.
Plant in ground with significant root space: 3/4 cup per month.
Hydroponics @ 150 ppm K: 1 Tbs per 6.5 gallons of water.

So on these dosages would I do that amount per gallon of water? Like if I'm fertilizing say a plant in the ground, the 3/4 cup would I add this to a gallon or 5 gallons or whatever amount of water I'm using? Or is there a dilution ratio? I ordered the banana fuel, so that should be here shortly. With these that are new in the ground am I going to use the 3/4 cup per month even though they were just planted (they are big corms!) I really appreciate your time and input on this info Richard.

Dreaminofthetropics · 05-18-2011, 05:33 PM

LOL nevermind Richard I'm sorry! I'm reading the thread Greg posted a link too now, so no need to answer!

imclueless17 · 05-22-2011, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

For fruiting plants past the juvenile stage (base diameter over 1 inch), use no more than 12.5 pounds of 6-2-12 per year per plant. Do not apply all in one feeding, but instead divide into 4 to 8 feedings per year. If your fertilizer is water soluble, then dissolve in water before applying to the root zone. Use enough water to deliver the fertilizer to the roots but avoid runoff. If it is a granular, then apply where the irrigation water will hit it, preferably evenly in a 32-inch radius around each plant.

If your banana plants are non-fruiting ornamentals, then the 6-2-12 is a poor choice. Choose something instead with an N-P-K that is relatively High-Low-Medium such as 9-3-6, 20-10-15, or 28-8-18.

If high-low-medium is good can you use Miracle Grow 24-8-16 as a well rounded banana fert? Or do you need other supplements.

Richard · 05-22-2011, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imclueless17

If high-low-medium is good can you use Miracle Grow 24-8-16 as a well rounded banana fert? Or do you need other supplements.

That would be great for ornamental bananas such as ensete and basjoo. Use a maximum of 4 pounds per year of this fertilizer on non-juvenile plants in the ground or 40+ gallon pot.

cherokee_greg · 05-22-2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

That would be great for ornamental bananas such as ensete and basjoo. Use a maximum of 4 pounds per year of this fertilizer on non-juvenile plants in the ground or 40+ gallon pot.

is the banana fuel ok for the ornamental bananas too ?

Richard · 05-22-2011, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherokee_greg

is the banana fuel ok for the ornamental bananas too ?

There are multiple "banana fuel" formulas.

The 20-5-30 (and other Med-Low-High NPK) are best for producing crops of edible bananas; plus Pit & Pome fruits, brambles, and fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, chilis, etc. An ornamental banana type, esp. Ensetes will not utilize all the potash and overtime you will have a build-up in your soil.

The 28-8-18 (and other High-Low-Med NPK) are best for ornamental banana types, and for fruiting Citrus, Avocado, Guavas, Mangos, and several other fruiting plants of a tropical nature.

The 15-10-30 formula for fruiting bananas is an alternative for people living in a tropical region where nitrogen is more plentiful in the soil environment.

cherokee_greg · 05-23-2011, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

There are multiple "banana fuel" formulas.

The 20-5-30 (and other Med-Low-High NPK) are best for producing crops of edible bananas; plus Pit & Pome fruits, brambles, and fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, chilis, etc. An ornamental banana type, esp. Ensetes will not utilize all the potash and overtime you will have a build-up in your soil.

The 28-8-18 (and other High-Low-Med NPK) are best for ornamental banana types, and for fruiting Citrus, Avocado, Guavas, Mangos, and several other fruiting plants of a tropical nature.

The 15-10-30 formula for fruiting bananas is an alternative for people living in a tropical region where nitrogen is more plentiful in the soil environment.

thanks I have the 20-5-30 I beleve I did get it from you so I need to get some 28-8-18 now for my ornamentals. Thanks allot.

Update I did order some 28-8-18 for my ornamentals have to take care of my babies !!

05-15-2011, 05:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
JCA433 Location: Homestead, Florida Zone: Zone 10 Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 330 BananaBucks : 88,841 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 433 Times in 162 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 4 Times	Banana fertilizing Where do you apply the fertilizer? Along the drip line only or spread it one foot past the trunk to the drip line? I do not want to burn the plant and will use a slow release fertilizer 5 lbs(3 months) 6-2-12. Is 5 pounds enough for 3 months for only one mat ?

05-15-2011, 10:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
JCA433 Location: Homestead, Florida Zone: Zone 10 Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 330 BananaBucks : 88,841 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 433 Times in 162 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 4 Times	Re: Banana fertilizing My banana plant is over 7 feet tall and the trunk is huge and very thick. The leaves are huge also. This banana is an dwarf orinoco and is expected to fruit this year possiblly in the next month. Does the banana have feeder roots inside the drip line? I read someplace not to apply fertilizer near the trunk and during active growth 1.5 pounds 6-2-12 fertilizer per month. My fertilizer is a slow release fertilizer.

05-15-2011, 11:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 636,108 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: Banana fertilizing Musa does not have a true drip line like a shrub or tree. It is an herb. The life of the plant is the corm - a modified bulb, which has a somewhat shallow, local root system. Your slow-release fertilizer is not a problem in your situation. After the plant flowers the plant will continue to feed for months while the fruit matures. __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

05-18-2011, 04:05 PM	#13 (permalink)
cherokee_greg Love those bananas cherokee_greg's Photo Gallery Location: Fresno,CA Find me on the map! Zone: zone 9 Name: Greg Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 4,357 BananaBucks : 312,020 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 8,066 Times Was Thanked 3,946 Times in 1,665 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 335 Times	Re: Banana fertilizing oh Richard allready answered sorry. __________________ Greg zone 9 Fresno,CA http://gardenjot.com/garden/view/1980/Gregs-Banana-Farm

05-18-2011, 05:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
Dreaminofthetropics Dreaminofthetropics's Photo Gallery Location: Bronson, FL Zone: 8-9 Name: Kat Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 424 BananaBucks : 110,477 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 422 Times Was Thanked 549 Times in 173 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 29 Times	Re: Banana fertilizing LOL nevermind Richard I'm sorry! I'm reading the thread Greg posted a link too now, so no need to answer! __________________ Kat Check out my website http://www.ilovemyplants.com Intellectual property has the shelf life of a banana. Bill Gates

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