Can You Grow a Banana Tree from Bananas from the Supermarket? Important Facts

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are known for their versatility, as they can be used in many different recipes and dishes. However, have you ever wondered whether or not you could grow banana trees from store-bought bananas?

Bananas are elongated fruit produced by large flowering plants of the genus Musa. The most popular type of banana is called Cavendish, and these are what we usually buy in supermarkets.

Unfortunately most commercially grown and sold bananas are genetically modified, so they do not produce fertile seeds. However, if you are lucky to find a market that sells non-GMO bananas, you may be able to grow them from seed.

If you are interested in growing your Banana tree, read on. There are a few things you’ll need to know before you begin.

Can You Plant a Whole Banana?

You can’t just throw a banana in the ground and expect it to grow. Bananas are actually giant herbs that grow up to more than 40 feet tall and need lots of water, sunlight, and heat to grow properly. They also need plenty of nutrients in the soil for fruit production.

If you happen to stumble upon a wild banana fruit, meaning one that is not grown on a commercial plantation, you may be able to plant it. The vital part of the banana that you’ll be needing is the seed and not the fruit itself. Cultivating your banana tree is not an easy task but ultimately rewarding if you want fresh fruit from your own backyard.

 Here are some tips for getting started with growing your banana tree:

• Choose a suitable location for your banana tree. The plant thrives in tropical climates, so it will not grow well in cold weather. If you live in a warm area you can plant the seed anywhere in your yard that receives full sun exposure.

• Choose the appropriate container for your banana tree. The size and shape of the container are up to you but make sure that the soil will drain well so it doesn’t get waterlogged.

• Extract the viable seeds from the fruit and soak them in warm water for 24 to 48 hours. This will help the seeds germinate more quickly.

• Prepare the soil by mixing compost with it. The amount of compost you add is up to you but make sure that it is moist and well-drained.

• Put the seed in your soil mixture and cover it with a thin layer of soil. Water it thoroughly but not too much. You should allow the soil to dry out between watering.

• Place your container in a warm, sunny spot. The seeds will sprout in approximately 2 weeks to 1 month depending on their variety. Make sure to do a lot of study for the appropriate climate and temperature for your particular plant.

Where Is the Seed in the Banana?

A banana is classified as a berry-like fleshy fruit with leathery skin. The bundle of strands under the peel is a composition of cells that carries nutrients throughout the plant called phloem tissue. The fruit is divided into three layers called endocarp, mesocarp, and exocarp. 

The endocarp is the hard outer layer of the banana fruit. It encloses a thin layer of soft tissue called mesocarp which is edible. Exocarp is the outermost layer of skin that protects the fruit during its development on the tree. The endocarp is what we eat, and where you can locate the seed.

The sizes and colors of seeds vary depending on the species of the banana plant. The size can range from 1mm to 5mm and are usually black or brown. The seed is surrounded by a thin layer of pulp called endosperm which is also edible.

Will an Indoor Banana Tree Produce Fruit?

Ideally, you’ll want to grow your banana tree outside. These plants are tropical and will require at least eight hours of sunlight a day, but they can be grown indoors under extreme care. Nevertheless, there are a few things you can do to help your indoor banana tree grow and produce fruit. Provided you are willing to put in the research, time, and effort you can increase the chance of getting fruit from your indoor banana tree.

If you’re looking for a place to start, Dwarf Banana trees are the best option for indoor growing. The dwarf ladyfinger is a smaller variety that produces fruit in just two to four years, making it an ideal choice for a beginner. However, do not be alarmed if you don’t see fruits in the first few years —this is normal. It takes time to establish a healthy and strong root system, and fruit will not appear until your tree reaches maturity.

As I mentioned banana plant is a flowering plant, and when the flower began to bloom it is a good indication that the fruits will soon appear. Keep in mind that even with your best efforts, it’s possible that your banana tree will not bear any fruit. That’s because this tree can be very temperamental, and are difficult to grow indoors when your home does not provide adequate conditions for growth.

Why Shouldn’t a Banana Tree Be Planted in the House?

Though some people successfully grow banana trees inside their houses, it is not recommended. The reason is that the plant requires a lot of sunlight and a perfect ambient to flourish. If you plan on growing your tree indoors, ensure that there is enough natural light coming through windows or skylights for it to grow properly.

In addition to that, there are limited ventilation and humidity control inside a house. This makes it difficult to grow this tropical plant successfully. Also, the choices of fruit-bearing variety that thrives indoors are very slim, unlike the ones that grow naturally outdoors. If you opt to grow them for ornamental purposes alone, then you are good to go. However, if you want to grow them for their edible fruits, you’ll have to invest in a greenhouse or an outdoor shelter that allows plenty of natural light and ventilation.