Species banana
Musa 'Siam Ruby'; elongated, reddish-green, large leaves with yellow-green midribs

banana

Musa 'Siam Ruby'

Banana (Musa 'Siam Ruby') is an attractive and delicious banana variety with small, sweet, pink-red fruits. It has a creamy, full-bodied flavor, making it popular for both eating fresh and using in recipes. It is vigorous and productive, producing large bunches of up to 50-70 banana fingers. This banana variety is tolerant of heat, humidity, and drought, making it an easy and dependable crop. It ripens quickly, making it available for consumption in as little as 6-7 months. This banana has a unique beauty with a dark green foliage and deep red fruit finger skin. Plant it in full sun for maximum fruit growth and health. Banana (Musa 'Siam Ruby') is the perfect addition to the home garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Tissue Culture,Offsets,Division,Air Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 11

Flowers:

Cream with cream and purple bracts Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

red,ruby Fruits Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,burgundy,ruby

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Generally, Banana (Musa 'Siam Ruby') plants need to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy or waterlogged. Banana plant roots do not tolerate standing water so if the soil is not draining properly, consider amending the soil or changing the type of planter. Watering frequency can vary depending on season and climate, however, over-watering can be a common mistake when growing banana plants. A general rule of thumb is to water banana plants once every 3 to 4 days. In the spring and summer when the weather is warm and dry, banana plants should be watered more frequently to replenish the soil with water. In the fall and winter (especially in cooler climates) the plant should be watered less often. To ensure your plant remains healthy, feel the soil to check the moisture levels and adjust accordingly.

sunlight

Banana plants prefer full sun, between 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They grow best when the temperature remains between 65-90F (18-32C). The leaves may burn or fade if they are exposed to more intense sunlight for prolonged periods. In areas with intense sunlight, it is best to provide morning sunlight and light shade in the afternoon. Banana plants will also tolerate partial sun, but they may not produce as many fruit or the quality of the fruit may not be as good.

pruning

Banana plants (Musa 'Siam Ruby') should be pruned 2-3 times a year during the growing season, with the first pruning at the beginning of the season, the second in the summer, and the third in the fall. Pruning helps the plant to focus its energy on producing healthier and more flavorful fruit. At the start of the growing season, remove all dead, diseased or damaged stems, and clip off any suckers or shoots that are lower than the main stem. This helps to promote healthy new growth and prevent diseases. During the summer months, prune away any branches that are growing out of the top of the plant to control the size of the plant and help keep the overall plant shape. In the fall, it is a good idea to prune off the terminal buds to control the size of the plants and to prevent the growth of any new stems or shoots. When pruning your banana plants, it is important to always use clean, sharp tools to provide a clean cut. Remove any excess leaves or stems after pruning to ensure that the plants can receive enough light and air to thrive.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Musa 'Siam Ruby' bananas typically begins in July and continues through October.

Starts Flowering

Bananas typically start flowering in April or May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Musa 'Siam Ruby' bananas typically begins in July and continues through October.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Are bananas considered berries?

No, bananas are not considered berries. Botanically speaking, all berries are fruits that have multiple seeds on the inside of a fleshy layer (like a blueberry or raspberry). Bananas have an outer peel with a solitary seed. Therefore, technically speaking, bananas are not considered berries.

Should I choose to plant banana seeds or pups?

Which option you should choose really depends on your individual needs and goals. Planting banana seeds will result in a longer wait time for the fruits to mature but also the potential for greater diversity among your crop. Planting banana pups will result in quicker results but potentially less diversity. If you're looking for a quick harvest, banana pups may be the better option for you, but if you're looking for a greater payoff in the long term, banana seeds would be more appropriate.

Does soil pH play a role in banana growth?

Yes, soil pH plays an important role in banana growth. Bananas prefer a soil pH between 5.0 and 6.5, although some varieties can tolerate slightly more alkaline soils. If the soil pH is too high or too low, the nutrients in the soil will not be available to the banana plants and they will not be able to grow healthily. Additionally, bananas are particularly sensitive to aluminum toxicity, which is common in soils with a pH above 6.5, so soils with higher pH levels should be avoided.

Are there benefits to mulching banana plants?

Yes, mulching banana plants can bring a variety of benefits. It can help to prevent soil compaction, retain moisture, deter weeds, insulate the roots, control soil temperature, and introduce beneficial organisms to the soil. In addition, some organic mulches can add nutrition to the soil, such as aged compost. Mulching also improves the aesthetics of your banana plants’ environment with a variety of colors and textures, making them more visually attractive.

Is it accurate that bananas are high in potassium?

Yes, it is accurate that bananas are high in potassium. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and are known as one of the best sources of dietary potassium. A single large banana provides more than 400 milligrams of potassium which is nearly 11% of the daily recommended amount. Additionally, bananas contain essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous, as well as a variety of vitamins like vitamins A, C, and B6.

Is banana farming environmentally friendly?

Yes, banana farming can be environmentally friendly when done correctly. Sustainable farming practices help reduce the use of artificial irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizers that can damage the environment and water resources. By using natural methods of pest and weed control, sustainable farms are also able to reduce their carbon emissions. Renewable energy sources like solar power and biogas can also be used by banana farmers to reduce their environmental impact. With careful management and the right resources, banana farming can be a net benefit to the environment.

Is it possible to grow banana plants indoors?

Yes, it is possible to grow banana plants indoors. Banana plants can be successfully grown in containers with a large soil volume of at least 15 gallons. Keeping them in an area with ample light such as windowsill, greenhouse or conservatory is ideal. Temperatures should generally not drop below 55-60°F and they should be watered regularly, being sure not to let the soil become water-logged. Banana plants typically do not fruit indoors due to lack of pollination, but can still provide a decorative touch with their large leaves.

Can bananas be grown in cold climates?

Unfortunately, bananas cannot be grown in cold climates, as they require warm temperatures and an abundance of humidity to survive and produce fruit. Bananas thrive in tropical and subtropical regions where temperatures are more consistent and humidity levels remain high throughout the year. Growing bananas in colder climates is very rare and difficult to achieve without the use of greenhouses or other temperature-regulating structures.