Family: Musaceae
Scientific name: Musa balbisiana
Common name: Sweet wild banana
Origin: Southeast Asia

Together with the Musa acuminata this species is the precursor of the commonly known banana from the supermarket, and produces blue-greenish bananas after a beautiful red inflorescence. The bananas contain a lot of seeds and are therefore difficult to eat. However they are often seen in the Asian kitchen and are cooked like vegetables. The leaves are used in Thailand to store food or to present dishes. The species grows in Asia up to an altitude of 1100 meters, and is therefore relatively cold resistant. Grow the species as a container plant at a minimum temperature of -5 degC.

Sowing description: Sand the seeds with sanding paper and soak them in lukewarm water for 48 hours. Sow the seeds in sowing mix and keep the soil constantly moist by covering the soil with plastic foil or glass. Let the seeds germinate in a warm spot indoors (for example in the sun or near a heater). Germination can take a few weeks or months, and can still occur as long as the seeds are firm.

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -5 degrees Celcius