skip to main content

Tropical Plants - Australia

Banana trees in Melbourne

21 years ago

Hi All.

I am thinking of planting a couple of banana trees in my garden to give a tropical look. Love to get some info. what types of banana trees are suitable for Melbourne climate? and can they produce actual edible fruit? I am new to Melbourne and not sure how the cold winter here would play on banana plants.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

User
21 years ago
I know you can grow ornamental bananas in Melbourne, because I have seen them in the neighbourhood. As for the fruiting variety, you'd have to be awfully lucky. There was actually a banana tree which bore fruit at the old Ringwood Fire Station on Maroondah H'way. It was growing (I believe) between two buildings in an extremely sheltered spot, so it was a micro-climate. But you would have to be super lucky to achieve this I think! I would think if you ask at any large nursery, they would be able to give you the suitable varieties to grow here.
Cheers,
Dee.
Louis_VIC
21 years ago
Hi
Its been some time since last time I visited garden web so Hi All.

Yes you can grow and fruit some types of banana here in melb.

I grow lady fingers, golden cross and another; I think its saba. I eat fruit of these every second year and its better tasting than any of the fruit you can buy from the grocers.

regards
Louis
Related Discussions
I just bought a banana tree/plant, can I expect banana's?
Q
Comments (2)
As was said, depends upon the kind you have. (Some are ornamental, only.) When I lived in Long Beach, CA, my bananas took on average 15 to 18 months to bear. The warmer the climate, the shorter the time. If it's really consistently warm, can be as little as 9 months.
...See More
Is it time to cut the banana stalk of my banana tree ? Pics insid
Q
Comments (4)
Sorry..here are the links to the pics. Thank you ! [URL=http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h123/firstinlastout/banana2.jpg][IMG]http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h123/firstinlastout/th_banana2.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h123/firstinlastout/banana1.jpg][IMG]http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h123/firstinlastout/th_banana1.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h123/firstinlastout/banana3.jpg][IMG]http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h123/firstinlastout/th_banana3.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
...See More
Growing fruiting bananas in Melbourne
Q
Comments (7)
have a read of the banana forum - the americans plant in half wine barrels and roll them under cover on frosty nights or into the house or greenhouse during the winter. most melbourne winter days will be warm enough to keep them alive. My sister inlaw has planted a couple of lady fingers this year. there are a lot of cool climate bananas - mostly seeded or cooking bananas, but they're worth a go if you don't get frosts. -3C would mean you need a himalayan or similar banana - read the banana forum or goolge for low temp bananas or buy a pup and give it a go.... Here is a link that might be useful: lady finger banana on ebay
...See More
Please tell me what kind of palm tree is this?? In melbourne zoo
Q
Comments (2)
They're also known as Picabeen or Bangalow Palms and grow naturally right down the east coast to southern NSW. There's quite a lot of them in gardens around Melbourne.
...See More
User
21 years ago
Do you grow them under cover Louis or what? How do you protect them from our frosts? Or are you one of the lucky ones in a frost free area?
Dee.
spikekali
21 years ago
If just for looks abysinnian banana (very big) from Tropical Gardens in south morang

You can get about 10 different species of banana from Perrys in SA

I keep mine out of strong winds (it shreds the leaves) and to get lots of sun.
They need lots of food and mulch potash mainly and seaweed and poo

have fun
Louis_VIC
21 years ago
No cover; out in the open garden. We rarely get frosts though.

Louis
bernard_qld
21 years ago
Louis,
good to see you are back on GW. Can you send me an email please? Thanks
Bernhard
Yisraelee
21 years ago
Anyone know of any reputable Banana plant nurseries in WA or where I can get seeds?

Thanks
RugbyLeagueRocks
21 years ago
Yeah I want nana seeds anyone please????
kubuku
20 years ago
Hello to all the other 'bananaphiles' of Victoria ... just dropping by to let you my Abyssian banana palm is about to go to God but in doing so has left me many special reminders of her beauty ... Yes, I have seeds ... only problem is how to cultivate them? Anyone had any experience in cultivating them ... ?
spikekali
20 years ago
Hullo exotic gardeners in Melbourne, you can now hightail it to Bunnings garden centre to get your bananas musa acumita some with the maroon blotchy leaves $10
cheers
alan_bollands_iinet_net_au
15 years ago
I am enquiring about growing a Banana tree in Perth and if there is a variety that would be suitable for our climate and availability

Thanks,

Alan

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS The Enticing Garden: How to Grow Bananas

By Steve Asbell

Sweeten your dining table with surprising flavors of banana cultivars while adding tropical flavor to your garden

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Connecting to the Landscape in Melbourne

By Annie Thornton

Views of iconic moonah trees and plenty of wood indoors help an Australian home connect with its site

BATHROOM DESIGN These Baths are Bananas

By Lily Gahagan

Yes, a Bathtub CAN Have Its Own Incredible View, Accent Wall, Fireplace and Chandelier

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Curves Ahead for a Modern Melbourne Addition

Contemporary and Edwardian get along capitally in an expanded Australian home for a family

INSPIRING GARDENS A Melbourne Backyard Entices Everyone Outside

By Annie Thornton

Music lovers add a pool, pizza oven and fire pit for a yard that’s a big hit with the whole family

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Melbourne Gem Harnesses Feng Shui

Stylishly dressed down and with a soothing palette, this suburban Australian home has energy in all the right places

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Local Cafe Culture Inspires a Melbourne Makeover

By Rebecca Gross

An Australian family renovates its bungalow to connect with relatives, friends and community

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Senses and Sensibility Make a Melbourne Patio Magical

By Vanessa Brunner

Plants that appeal to the 5 senses, one-of-a-kind fences and plenty of space for entertaining cast a pleasing spell on the whole family

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Add an Apple Tree to Your Edible Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

Readily available, beautiful and fragrant, apple trees offer four-season interest along with crisp, juicy fruit

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD My Houzz: Where Palm Springs Meets Gum Trees

By Kate Hansen Photography

A love of midcentury design and a knack for renovating lead this family to a 1960s gem on the outskirts of Melbourne

Sponsored

Foremost Siding & Exterior Design Solutions in Columbus