Question
I recently became interested in owning a banana plant and because I live in Wisconsin, I was told that the Dwarf Cavenish plant would work best for growing indoors.  I was told this particular plant gets 5 to 6 feet tall and produces edible bananas.  However, I looked around the web a little and discovered that they don't grow bananas.  I'm getting mixed up information and am wondering if you could set me straight?  Will I be able to grow a Dwarf Cavendish banana plant in Wisconsin?....Will it produce edible or non-edible bananas?...last, How do I take proper care of this type of plant?  

Answer
David,

Dwarf Cavendish bananas do produce bananas. In the summer it should go outdoors in a sunny location.  It should be outdoors as long as the temps are above 50 degrees. In doors it should be in front of the largest sunniest south facing window that you have. A dwarf Cavendish Banana is among the edible bananas, but won't produce bananas if it does not get enough sun. A banana needs a lot of light and must be protected from freezing, so you should grow it in a pot and take it inside during freezing weather, or you could uproot it and store it in a garage during winter. They are pretty easy to grow, actually. The original plant will grow offshoots which can be left with the "mother plant" or can be separated when they are approximately 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the mother. If you do keep it in a pot and overwinter it inside in a bright warm environment, it will be more likely to produce flowers and bananas. Fertilize it lightly throughout the year, and just keep it warm and happy and that's about all there is to it. The leaves should be cut off when they turn yellow, and green leaves are great for steaming vegetables or chinese appetizers on. (Just a thing I like to do.) You shouldn't have any real problems with it, but let me know if you do. I used to grow banana plants outside when I lived in Galveston, and as far north as zone 7/8, which is north Texas, my mother got edible bananas off her trees. A dwarf won't get as large as the other kinds, so I would expect it to get between 4 and 7 feet high. (Don't know for sure on the Cavendish, but there is some variation in all plants.Below are 4 sites with more info. If you have more questions after reviewing those sites then please write again. Good luck.

Darlene

http://www.waysidegardens.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?stor...

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/60087/

http://www.oglesbytc.com/culture-super-dwarf-banana.html

http://www.plant-care.com/super-dwarf-banana-tree.html