Wild bananas do produce seeds contained inside of the fruit. Often seeds are so large that they take up most of the banana, making it difficult to eat the surrounding pulp. Both seeds and suckers propagate wild bananas.
Where is the Seed in a Banana?
Growing a banana tree from seed is no easy task. In nature, wild banana seeds germinate only under specific circumstances. You will need to provide ideal conditions and be patient.
How to Grow a Banana Tree from a Seed?
Soaking the banana seed is an important step because wild seeds can only germinate when water reaches the internal embryo. Banana seeds have a durable outer shell, but it is leaky. Soaking the seed allows water to permeate the shell slowly, and the internal sexual organs of the seed absorb water to begin the germination process.
01.
Soak the Seed for 24-48 Hours
Use a permeable soil to allow drainage. Otherwise, the seed will be prone to rot. We recommend trying potting soil for the best results.
02.
Plant Each Seed in Permeable Soil (1-inch deep)
In the wild, non-dormant banana seeds can lie for several years, waiting for ideal soil temperatures as a cue that it is time for germination. It is not yet understood how seeds sense temperature, but the fluctuation in soil temperature is necessary for successful germination.
03.
Maintain Soil Temperature at 60-68°F
Keep the soil moist to promote germination. If you are planting in a seed tray or pot, cover it with plastic to maintain a humid environment.
04.
Keep Soil Moist
It takes between 3-weeks and 6-months for banana seeds to germinate. So, be patient and closely monitor the soil’s moisture level and temperature while you wait.
05.
Be Patient
Banana trees have broad, fanning leaves that can grow up to 9-feet long and 2-feet wide depending on the variety. The leaves are delicate and prone to wind damage, so trees should be planted in a somewhat sheltered location.
How Big do Banana Trees Get?
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