Banana 'Dwarf Maoli' (Musa kaualau)
Sow Exotic now carries the rare Hawaiian 'Dwarf Maoli' Banana!
This unique Dwarf Maoli cultivar is native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It is a herbaceous plant that is fast growing,and grows to a mature height of only 7-14 ft tall. The Dwarf Maoli has large, thick leaves and because of this is capable of resisting strong winds. Like most other Musa species, the Dwarf Maoli cultivar requires plenty of sunlight, and moist, well drained soil.
What makes the Dwarf Maoli Banana so special is it's prized flavor and wonderfully rich yellow-orange fruit pulp. Don't let it's name fool you, these Bananas are huge and shaped like sausages, making them perfect for cooking!
Plant Type:
Fruit Tree / Evergreen Perennial Herb
Did you know? The banana plant is actually an evergreen perennial fruiting herb, not a tree! The large ‘trunk’ is actually a pseudostem, which is made of bulky, leafy layers that emerge and wither over time. Banana plants are fast-growing, and prone to reproducing new plants through mini clones known as suckers.
Harvest Season:
Year-round, but most predominantly in the warm summer months. With good care, bananas are capable of producing fruit within the first 15-18 months of planting. It will take 9-15 months before the tree starts flowering and an additional 2-6 months before the bananas are ready to be picked.
(Expect approximately 3-6 months less time from planting to fruit for Banana plants in our XL Pot Size)
Mature Size:
Really varies depending on variety. Some dwarf banana varieties grow only to 2-3 ft where other banana types reach up to 40 ft tall. Most banana plants can be grown easily in containers and overwintered indoors if needed. We recommend a minimum 7 gal. planter size.
Banana plants are fast-growing, and prone to reproducing new plants through mini clones known as suckers.
Soil & Moisture:
Thrives in ample humidity! Bananas like to be planted high on a mound in rich, moist well-drained soil, nitrogen-rich soil, and humid conditions similar to their native areas tropical and subtropical regions. In well-drained soil, bananas can almost never get too much water, sunlight, and nutrients. Water regularly to maintain leaves and promote fruit production.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast, Very Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Our bananas are grown from tissue cultures and are capable of fruiting within 1 year.
