Musa ‘Blue Java’ x ‘Dwarf Namwah’
Blue Java-Dwarf Namwah hybrid banana
Hybrid of ice cream banana and a dwarf, creamy, sweet variety. Both are cold-tolerant, fast-growing. Exemplary tropical fruit in mild areas and ornamental foliage. Can grow in large pots.
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synonyms |
Musa acuminata × balbisiana (ABB Group) 'Blue Java' x Musa (ABB Group) 'Namwah Kom'/'Dwarf Namwah' |
 |
height |
6–12ft |
 |
width |
6–18ft |
 |
tolerates |
Heat, Moist Soil |
 |
water
needs |
High |
 |
water
info |
Water this plant regularly, when the surface of the soil feels dry. Usually this will mean once or twice a week in dry weather. Use drippers, emitters, or a slow stream of water so that it doesn’t run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through to the deepest layers of soil. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot. |
 |
hardy
to |
30F |
 |
exposure |
Part Sun – Full Sun |
 |
indoor
outdoor |
Outdoor |
 |
drainage |
In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil |
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fertilizing |
All Purpose |
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origin |
Agriculture |
 |
california
native |
No |
 |
sunset
zones |
8, 9, 11–H2 |
OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE
Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.
Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.
Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.
Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams,
but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.
Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.
SUNSET ZONES MAP
Growing Notes
Banana plants are giant evergreen herbaceous perennials, not trees. Foliage dies back with frost; stems die in sustained freezing weather; roots survive moderate freezing to produce new stems when weather warms.
Where climate allows stems to reach flowering age, bananas may form and ripen over six to 12 months. Remove entire stems after fruiting.
Fertilize regularly through the growing season with a balanced formula. Lower needs in winter, when growth slows or stops.
If grown outdoors in harsh climates this plant will look rough during winter storms and can be cut down at that time and will regrow with warmer weather.
Special Interest
Isn’t this really a houseplant? Well that’s a tricky question. In general this type of plant makes a great houseplant, but this specific plant hasn’t been grown to be a houseplant. Houseplants are grown under regulated conditions and with sterile soil, setting them up to thrive in your home. When outdoor-grown plants are taken indoors, they tend to transition poorly, often becoming magnets for pests. That said, if you decide to live dangerously and bring this plant indoors, here’s some advice to help you out. Start by unpotting the plant and removing any loose soil. Next, preemptively treat the entire plant, including the roots, with an insecticidal soap. Be sure to treat the roots gently throughout this process. Use a new nursery can or sterilize the previous one with bleach. Repot the plant in a fresh mix and then water deeply with the insecticidal soap mix. Be sure to keep an extra close eye out for any pests that might pop up. Always consider the risk of introducing pests to your other houseplants.
More Info
For the best chance of growing edible bananas, plant in the hottest, sunniest corner of the garden and provide ample water and fertilizer.
