Truly Tiny Banana Tree

Truly Tiny is one of the smallest fruiting banana plants. This Musa species only grows to be 2-4 feet overall and produces clusters of the most adorable fruit you have ever seen. Although the bananas are edible, the flavor differs from larger Cavendish-type bananas. The gloriously large leaves fan out from sturdy stalks that quickly reach their mature height by early summer. Fruiting often occurs by the time the plant is 14-18 months old.Grow Truly Tiny Banana outdoors in climates without frosty winter temperatures, typically USDA zones 9-11. Gardeners in other areas can grow this banana as a houseplant over the winter. Pests such as deer, snails, and slugs are rarely an issue once Truly Tiny reaches its full size. Use Truly Tiny as a container-grown specimen to add a bit of tropical flair to your patio or deck decor. In the garden, this low-growing perennial will add incredible texture and color to established garden borders. Truly Tiny Banana Tree CarePlant Truly Tiny in well-draining soil that is moderately rich and able to retain moisture. In a container, use a potting mix with plenty of perlite for drainage and moisture retention. Truly Tiny Banana will develop the most vivid color when grown in full sun with protection during the hottest part of the day. Regular watering will keep the plant growing vigorously and producing leaves all season. Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced formulation such as 5-5-5. Liquid fish emulsion or seaweed diluted to a quarter of the recommended dosage can be applied once a week to promote deep foliage color. Protect the foliage from slug and snail damage early in the growing season.Seasonal pruning is not generally required for banana plants, as they are herbaceous perennials with no woody stems. Although Truly Tiny Banana tolerates wind better than other more delicate varieties, high gusts may damage or even shred the large leaves. Carefully cut back the damaged parts to the main stalk to prevent further leaf damage. Bring Truly Tiny indoors when nighttime temperatures fall to 50 degrees F (10 C) and grow it in bright indirect light, such as in a southwest- or southeast-facing window. Reduce watering to once every 7 days, and stop fertilizing until new growth appears the following spring. Truly Tiny Banana Tree SpacingTruly Tiny Banana will quickly reach 2-4 feet tall and wide in a growing season. Give the plant plenty of room for proper air circulation when growing it in a garden bed alongside other perennials and shrubs. A spacing of 3 feet, center on center, is recommended. Container-grown plants thrive in a pot that is no more than 2-3 inches larger than the root ball. Truly Tiny Banana Tree InformationUSDA Hardiness Zones: 9 – 11Plant Type: PerennialsLight Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)Mature Height: 2 – 4 FeetMature Spread: 2 – 4 FeetSpacing: 2 – 4 FeetHabit: UprightFlower Color(s): RedFlower Description: Red ShadesBloom Period: SummerFoliage Type: HerbaceousFoliage Color(s): Green, Purple, RedFoliage Description: Green, Burgundy, Red and Purple ShadesSeasonal Interest: Summer FloweringWatering: AverageResists: N/ATolerates: N/AAttracts: N/AContainer Role: Uses: Wetland Areas & PondsFeatures: Foliage InterestBrand: Common Name: Truly Tiny Banana TreeOther Name(s): Grindy, Blue RajaScientific Name: Musa sp