Dwarf Cavendish Banana 15G

Dwarf Cavendish Banana in a 15 Gallon Pot, is available in Jupiter, FL.

The Dwarf Cavendish Banana (Musa acuminata 'Dwarf Cavendish') is a compact, fast-growing tropical fruit plant perfect for South Florida gardens, patios, and edible landscapes. Sold in a 15-gallon pot, this variety is prized for its manageable height, lush foliage, and ability to produce full-sized, delicious bananas in just a couple of years under optimal care.

Plant Classification:

• Scientific Name: Musa acuminata 'Dwarf Cavendish'

• Common Name: Dwarf Cavendish Banana

• Plant Class: Liliopsida (Monocotyledons)

• Family: Musaceae

Growth Habit & Features:
The Dwarf Cavendish reaches an average mature height of 6 to 9 feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces or container growing. It features large, tropical leaves with a rich green color and a slight red-purple tinge when young. This banana tree not only adds an exotic feel to your landscape but also bears clusters of sweet, creamy bananas within 9 to 15 months of planting in the right conditions.

Sunlight Requirements:
This banana plant thrives in full sun, requiring a minimum of 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best fruit production and healthy growth. It can tolerate partial shade but with reduced yield and vigor.

Soil Preferences:
Dwarf Cavendish bananas prefer rich, well-draining soils with high organic matter content. Ideal soils are loamy, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0). Raised beds or quality potting mixes with added compost are beneficial when grown in containers.

Watering Needs:
Consistent moisture is key. Water deeply and regularly to maintain evenly moist (but not soggy) soil. In South Florida’s warm climate, expect to water 2–3 times per week during dry seasons and reduce during rainy periods. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Fertilization:
Feed your Dwarf Cavendish every 4–6 weeks during the growing season with a high-potassium, balanced fertilizer (such as 8-10-8 or banana-specific blends). Additional compost or organic matter helps enhance fruit quality and plant vigor.

Pruning & Maintenance:
Remove old or damaged leaves regularly and prune suckers (offshoots) to maintain one strong central stem for best fruit production. After harvesting bananas, cut the mother stalk back to the ground to allow new growth to emerge.

Pest & Disease Resistance:
This variety is generally resistant to most diseases common to bananas but may attract pests like aphids or spider mites. Monitor regularly and treat organically or chemically as needed.

Climate Suitability:

• USDA Zones: 9b–11

• Exceptionally well-suited to South Florida’s tropical and subtropical climate

• Can be grown year-round outdoors or brought inside during cold snaps in marginal zones

Container Use:
The 15-gallon container is an excellent size for the Dwarf Cavendish, allowing for mobility, control over soil conditions, and the ability to protect during unusual cold weather. Containers should have proper drainage and be placed in full sun locations.

Harvesting:
Bananas are ready to harvest when the fruit is plump and light green to yellow, usually 2–3 months after flowering. Cut the entire stalk when most of the bananas are ripe, and allow them to fully ripen indoors.

Jupiter Farms & Nursery