Banana 'Orinoco’ Tree 7G

Banana 'Orinoco' Tree – Musa × paradisiaca 'Orinoco’ (7 Gallon Pot) available in Jupiter, FL.

Bold, fast-growing, and richly rewarding, the Banana 'Orinoco' is a hardy and versatile variety perfect for South Florida's subtropical climate. This 7-gallon potted tree is ready to thrive in your landscape, producing plump, angular bananas that can be eaten fresh when fully ripe or cooked while still green. With its tropical presence and lush green foliage, the Orinoco Banana brings both beauty and bounty to your edible garden or backyard oasis.

Part of the Musaceae family and Monocotyledonae class, Musa × paradisiaca 'Orinoco' is known for its resilience in variable conditions—making it an excellent choice for gardeners new to banana cultivation. It’s more cold-tolerant than many other varieties and produces fruit within 10–18 months in optimal conditions.

Key Features:

• Botanical Name: Musa × paradisiaca 'Orinoco'

• Common Name: Orinoco Banana Tree

• Family: Musaceae

• Class: Monocotyledonae

• Pot Size: 7 Gallon

• Mature Height: 10–16 feet

• Spread: 6–8 feet

• USDA Zones: 8b–11 (ideal for South Florida)

• Fruit Season: Typically summer through fall, depending on planting time

• Fruit Type: Short, blocky bananas with creamy texture and mild flavor

Sunlight Needs:
Thrives in full sun. Provide at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. For coastal South Florida, full exposure enhances growth and fruit development.

Watering:
Water regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during active growth and hot months. Do not let the soil completely dry out. Avoid overwatering in poorly draining soils.

Soil Requirements:
Prefers rich, loamy, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0). Amend sandy soil with compost or aged manure to improve water retention and fertility. Mulch generously to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilization:
Feed monthly with a balanced, high-potassium fertilizer to support rapid growth and fruiting. Organic matter like composted chicken manure or worm castings also boosts production.

Pest & Disease Tips:
Generally resilient, but monitor for aphids, banana weevils, or spider mites. In South Florida’s humidity, good airflow prevents fungal issues. Use neem oil or horticultural soap if necessary.

Maintenance & Pruning:
Remove dead or damaged leaves regularly. Once the main stalk fruits, cut it down to make room for emerging pups. Allow 1–2 healthy pups to grow and maintain the cycle of production.

Special Notes for South Florida Gardeners:

• Excellent for edible landscapes, food forests, or as a tropical privacy screen.

• Cold-tolerant down to 28°F with protection, making it more resilient than dessert banana types.

• Can be grown in large containers with proper support and nutrition.

• Fruit is versatile—eat fresh, bake, or cook like plantains.

Jupiter Farms & Nursery