Musa 'Balbisiana'

Growing Information

Temp: For best growth above 65°F is recommended. Wind tolerant

Light: Full sun to no less than 30% shade. Foliage growers should use 30%-60% shade.

Soil: Good water holding capacity is needed

Mature Height: 16-20'

Type: Seeded variety

Hardiness: Zone 9

Major Pests: Borers, grasshoppers, and root nematodes

Diseases: Panama disease and Black Sigatoka (a leaf spot disease)

Origin: NA

The ‘Baldisiana’ is a suckering banana that can reach up to 20 feet in height. It has large spreading oblong leaves. Stems are strong and sturdy and form huge clumps where grown. Drooping spikes are produced almost throughout the year as stems in a clump mature. The fruits are bluish green and eventually develop yellow skin when mature. Ripe fruits have little pulp but numerous small seeds, characterized by a rough, warty seed coat. Ripe fruits on the plant attract birds, bats and other nocturnal visitors. The ripe seeds ground and eaten have been used for curing dysentery, diarrhea and sore throat. Leaves used for serving food in religious and other festivals and feasts. Male flowers boiled and made into salads and curries. Sheaths make a rope and young new shoots chopped and cooked for cattle fodder.

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