Question about Plantains
 

Are Plantains harder to grow than Bananas? I purchased an African Rhino Horn in 2013 and it is still only about 12" tall. It might not even be an African Rhino Horn, because I did purchase it from (Florida Hill). Regardless of what kind of Banana or Plantain I got, it is not growing very good. I never see any Plantains for sale in Long Beach is this because they don't grow good here?

Thanks Susan

Re: Question about Plantains
 

AFR Don't grow well where I live either, I pulled them out & will be planting another Variety This Spring , Plantains are a must in any Tropical garden..

Good Luck Ed.. Happy New Year !

Re: Question about Plantains
 

Hello Susan, I live in Daytona Beach now and have bought several plantains, even some super plantains but to no avail. They have never grown here. I have gotten them small T/C plants and even a few that were 3 feet tall. None have ever grown here. I got one sent to me from someone Puerto Rico that GAURANTEED it a Plantain and was a field grown plant. It sat in the ground and after a few months it was dead. I have also had other varieties of plantains and the same. I lived in Key West for 30 years and had the same experience. I have just never been able to grow them myself. I also gave up, I will just buy them at the store. LOL
Salute'
rick

Re: Question about Plantains
 

They are just as easy as bananas, but all that I have tried have been more cold sensitive than most bananas. I am guessing that they need minimum 55F night/day year round. The only successful mat I have seen was very near the coast, where the temps are very moderate.

Re: Question about Plantains
 

Did you get it from a member?

Did you know which cultivar it was?

Re: Question about Plantains
 

I would try many plantain cultivars, but would expect the French types or cross French to do the best.

Re: Question about Plantains
 

I got it from "Florida Hills Nursery" on 7-8-13.

Re: Question about Plantains
 

I've had success with ARH purchased from Lowes last year..


She fruited in about 11 months

Zone 10B South Florida

I also successfully harvested "macho" plantains or False horn

Good luck

Re: Question about Plantains
 

Thanks I_Grower your plant looks great. Maybe the little plant I have isn't even an ARH. Hopefully I will be able to find two (real) plantains this year and try again.

Thanks Susan