Banana can be grown from sea level to all altitudes of 1200 meters. It can be cultivated in a temperature range of 10°C and 40°C with high humidity but growth is retarded at temperatures of 20°C and less and more than 35°C. It can be found in plantations in a wide band between 30° north and south of the equator.
Yields are higher when temperatures are above 24 C for a considerable period. In cooler climate, the crop requires longer time to mature. Plants exposed to low temperature and humidity during active growth stage show reduced growth and yields.
The total water requirement of banana plants is about 900- 1200mm for an entire life cycle and this can be met through both natural precipitation (rainfall) and supplementary irrigation. In the tropical conditions, water requirement is 900-1800mm per crop.
For best appearance and higher photosynthetic rate, wind protection is advisable. High velocity wind which exceeds 80km per hour damages the leaf. Bananas are also vulnerable to being blown over due to the weight of the stem of fruit.
Commercial plants are usually grown to just a few meters tall and are replanted every six years or so using the bulbous shallow-rooted rhizomes (called corms) that the adult plants produce.
Climate for banana tree cultivation
