| Weight | 17 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | N/A |
| Tree Size | 3 Gallon Tree |
$40.00
Puerto Rican Plantain (Musa × paradisiaca) – Caribbean Flavor with Compact Versatility
Puerto Rican Plantain is a cherished cooking banana from the Caribbean, known for its reliability, rich culinary history, and performance in warm climates. This cultivar can grow as a dwarf or full-size plant, depending on growing conditions and propagation, making it perfect for both backyard gardens and large containers. Whether you’re slicing it for tostones, mashing it for mofongo, or letting it ripen for sweet maduros, this versatile plantain delivers bold tropical flavor and dependable harvests.
Quick Facts:
• Botanical Name: Musa × paradisiaca
• Common Name: Puerto Rican Plantain
• Family: Musaceae
• Native Region: Caribbean
• USDA Zones: 9b–11
• Mature Size: Variable (6–15 ft depending on form and pruning)
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Light: Full to part sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained
• Moisture: Consistently moist, not waterlogged
• Self-Fertile: Yes
• Fruiting Time: Late summer to early fall
• Time to Fruit: 9–12 months from planting
• Best Uses: Tostones, mofongo, maduros, boiling, baking
Climate & Hardiness: Ideal for USDA zones 9b–11, though full protection or heated indoor space is necessary outside of zone. Can survive brief exposure to freezing temperatures. Best performance in tropical to subtropical climates.
Soil & Moisture: Requires fertile, organically enriched soil that drains well. Keep evenly moist with regular watering. Mulch helps stabilize soil moisture and temperature.
Light Requirements: Grows best in full sun but will tolerate part sun in hotter climates.
Size & Pruning: Height varies—some specimens stay under 8 ft while others may reach 12–15 ft. Prune older stalks after fruiting and thin suckers to focus energy on strong central growth.
Fruit & Flavor: Produces traditional plantain bunches with long, thick fruits. Green fruit is starchy and savory when cooked; ripened fruit becomes sweet and soft, ideal for desserts. One plant yields 50–150 lbs of fruit under good conditions.
Pollination & Fruiting: Self-fertile. Forms fruit without pollination due to parthenocarpy. Fruit ripens 9–12 months after planting, depending on heat and care.
Propagation: Propagated by removing suckers (pups) from the base. Each mother plant produces 1–3 viable pups. Fruiting stalk dies after harvest and is replaced naturally.
Fertilizer & Care: Heavy feeder. Apply a balanced tropical fertilizer (10-10-10 or 8-3-9) every 6–8 weeks during active growth. Avoid high-salt or slow-draining conditions.
Is Puerto Rican Plantain self-fertile? – Yes, it produces fruit without another plant nearby.
How big does it get? – Varies widely; can stay compact under 8 ft or grow to 15 ft depending on conditions and whether it’s a dwarf or standard form.
Can it grow in a container? – Yes, especially the dwarf form. Use a large pot (20+ gallons) and overwinter indoors if below 50°F.
How long until it fruits? – Typically 9–12 months after planting in warm conditions.
Does it need pruning? – Yes. Remove spent stalks and manage suckers to maintain 1–3 main shoots.
Is it edible when green and ripe? – Yes! Cook green for savory dishes like tostones or mofongo, or let ripen for sweet maduros.
What pests or issues should I watch for? – Root rot from soggy soil, and minor pests like spider mites or aphids if stressed.
SHIPPING
Carriers and Services
We ship all orders via UPS, offering Standard, Expedited, and Overnight services. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on your location and the selected service.
Winter Shipping Advisory
Cold Weather Alert: Tropical trees are highly sensitive to cold temperatures. During colder months, our greenhouses maintain warm, optimal conditions for growth, which makes plants more vulnerable to cold damage during shipping.
Recommendations: If temperatures along the shipping route are below 40°F, we recommend holding your order until it’s safe to ship. We will notify you if a delay is necessary.
No Freeze Warranty: We do not guarantee plants shipped during freezing conditions. Shipping in cold weather is at the buyer’s discretion and risk.
Shipping Schedule
Local (In-State) Shipments: Orders ship Monday through Wednesday to ensure delivery before the weekend. Most locations within the state receive deliveries in 1 to 2 days.
Out-of-State Shipments: Orders ship primarily on Monday and Tuesday to avoid weekend delays.
Packaging and Damage Claims
Plants are carefully packaged to minimize the risk of damage during transit. However, if damage occurs, you must contact us within 24 hours of delivery.
Submit clear photos of the packaging and the plant to southeden@outlook.com. Claims cannot be processed without photos.
Order Processing and Pickup
Orders placed before 5:00 PM are processed the same business day.
Local pickups are available between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays and are processed on the same day.
Returns
All sales are final.
Due to agricultural regulations, we cannot accept returns or exchanges on any items, including live tropical trees.
If you receive an incorrect or damaged item, contact us at southeden@outlook.com within 3 days of delivery. Claims must include clear photos of the packaging and item to be reviewed. We’ll work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Thank you for supporting South Eden Edible Nursery! We appreciate your understanding and are committed to ensuring your plants arrive in the best possible condition.
