How to Grow Musa Basjoo in Containers

Commonly known as hardy banana, Musa basjoo is a species of banana grown for its large, dramatic foliage and ability to withstand temperatures as low as minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The trees seldom exceed 10 feet in height when grown in containers, but they still produce the same spreading canopy of large, bluish-green leaves as those grown in the garden. Growing Musa basjoo in containers is fairly simple if the plants are provided with plenty of bright light, water and regular feeding, and they last for many years if protected from prolonged periods of frost.

Things You'll Need

Potting soil
Compost
Coarse sand
18-inch-deep container

6-2-12 formula fertilizer
Pruning shears
Chipped pine bark
Canvas dropcloth

Instructions

- 1
  Combine 2 parts potting soil, 2 parts compost and 1 part coarse sand inside an 18-inch-deep container that has several drainage holes and an attached drainage saucer.
- 2
  Pour 1/2 gallon of water over the soil mixture. Let the excess water drain off for at least 20 minutes before potting the Musa basjoo.
- 3
  Plant the hardy banana in the center of the container. Position it so the base of the "trunk," or pseudo-stem, is 1/4 inch above the surface of the soil. Press the soil firm around the base of the plant.
- 4
  Place the container where it will receive very bright, filtered light, such as on a sunporch or a partially shaded deck. Avoid areas with direct sun exposure during the hottest part of the day.
- 5
  Water container-grown Musa basjoo plants often since the soil quickly dries out. Run water into the container until it feels moist at a depth of 2 inches. Maintain moisture at that level from April until September.
- 6
  Feed the Musa basjoo once a month from April until August. Apply granulated 6-2-12 formula fertilizer to the soil according to the label directions.
- 7
  Cease watering the Musa basjoo in late September. Water it thoroughly one last time before preparing it for winter.
- 8
  Cut the Musa basjoo plant back to about 8 inches at the end of the growing season, around early October. Use pruning shears or a pruning saw to cut the trunk.
- 9
  Mulch the Musa basjoo with chipped pine bark after cutting it back. Mound the chipped pine bark over the plant so it is completely covered. Drape a canvas dropcloth over the mulch to hold it in place.
- 10
  Remove the canvas dropcloth and mulch the following spring once temperatures stay reliably above 65 F.
- 11
  Resume regular watering and feeding in April as soon as the plant emerges from dormancy and begins to put on new growth.

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