SKU: 1056 Ice Cream Banana Tree/ Banana Tree in Quart cup (one plant per cup)

Ice Cream Banana plants (Musa acuminata ‘Blue Java’), also known as Blue Java or Hawaiian bananas, are a unique and exotic addition to any garden. Native to Southeast Asia, these plants are prized for their attractive appearance and the delicious flavor of their fruit. The Ice Cream Banana gets its name from the creamy texture and vanilla-like taste of its bananas when fully ripe.

The Ice Cream Banana plant is a fast-growing perennial herb that can reach a height of up to 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) under ideal conditions. The leaves are large and glossy green with a bluish tint, giving the plant a tropical and ornamental appeal. The fruit itself is medium-sized and has a distinctive silvery-blue color when young, eventually turning pale yellow as it ripens. The taste is sweet and creamy, with hints of vanilla, often likened to ice cream, which is why it earned its delightful nickname.

Planting Zone Information: Ice Cream Banana plants thrive in warm and tropical climates. They are best suited for planting in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. These zones encompass regions with mild winter temperatures, where the minimum average annual temperature ranges from 20°F (-6°C) to 40°F (4°C) in zone 9 and 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21°C) in zone 11. While they can tolerate some cold, prolonged freezing temperatures can damage the plant, so gardeners in colder regions may need to grow them in containers and protect them during the winter months.

Growing Guide Instructions: Transplanting an Ice Cream Banana plant from a gallon-sized pot to the ground requires careful consideration of the plant’s needs to ensure its successful establishment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

1. Select the Ideal Location: Choose a sunny spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The site should be sheltered from strong winds, as the large leaves are susceptible to damage.
2. Soil Preparation: Ice Cream Banana plants prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
3. Transplanting the Plant:
   • Timing: The best time to transplant is in the spring when the weather starts warming up, and there is no longer a risk of frost.
   • Digging the Hole: Dig a hole that is approximately twice the size of the root ball of the plant.
   • Removing from the Pot: Gently remove the Ice Cream Banana plant from the gallon pot, taking care not to damage the roots.
   • Planting: Place the plant in the center of the hole and backfill with soil, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
4. Watering: After transplanting, water the plant thoroughly to help it settle into its new location. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, during the growing season.
5. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.
6. Support: Ice Cream Banana plants can become top-heavy as they grow, so consider providing support, such as stakes or trellises, to prevent them from bending or breaking in strong winds.
7. Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer, rich in potassium and phosphorus, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
8. Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage new growth.
9. Winter Care: In colder zones, protect the plant from freezing temperatures by mulching heavily around the base and covering the top with a blanket or burlap during the winter months.

With proper care and attention, your Ice Cream Banana plant will flourish, providing you with an abundance of tasty and visually stunning bananas to enjoy!

Proud Products Guarantee!!

Plants from Daylily Nursery are guaranteed to arrive healthy and green. If you have any concerns or are dissatisfied within the first five days of receiving your plants, please email or call our office so that we can help make it right! Plants require proper care and nourishment to adapt to their new surroundings. Unfortunately, if your plants have received less-than-ideal care or were purchased for planting outside of your recommended growing zone, your purchase isn’t covered by our guarantee. Zone recommendations are provided in our listings.
Exercise caution and use your best judgment before ordering during unusually hot or cold weather (below 32 degrees F, or in excess of 95F for shipping purposes), as these extremes may leave your plant vulnerable to damage. The optimal time for planting for most of our material is in mid to late spring, past the danger of hard frost. This allows your plants the longest possible growing season. Summer and very early fall are also suitable, as long as your plant is placed in optimal conditions and receives adequate water during the hotter, dryer periods of the summer. Late fall and winter are very risky in most areas, as our plant material ships from cozy greenhouses and will struggle adapting to very cold or frozen soil, or abrupt changes in temperature. This can easily cause damage, stunting, or failure to thrive. When in doubt about suitable planting times or zone compatible plants for your area, reach out to your local Agricultural Extension Office.
If issues with your plants arise within the first 30 days of receipt, please email or call our office. Our knowledgeable staff will review your concerns and provide guidance and troubleshooting, or a one-time replacement if necessary. The customer assumes responsibility for theblue java banana cost of shipping the replacement. Happy Planting!