Chenkadali Banana

Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing

The Chenkadali Banana, a beloved traditional variety of Kerala, is known for its reddish-green skin, sweet aroma, and soft, nutritious flesh. It belongs to the Nendran-like group but is smaller, tastier, and quicker to mature. Chenkadali is widely used for home cooking, snacks, baby food, and Ayurvedic preparations. With proper care, this hardy plant produces healthy bunches and thrives beautifully in tropical home gardens. Below is a complete 600-word care guide covering soil, water, sunlight, fertilization, pests, pruning, and maintenance.

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Chenkadali Banana – Complete Care Guide:

1. Climate & Temperature Requirements

Chenkadali Banana thrives best in hot, humid tropical climates, especially in regions like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and coastal belts. Ideal temperature range:

• 25°C to 35°C during the day

• Not suitable for temperatures below 15°C

High humidity helps faster leaf growth and healthier pseudostem formation. Low humidity may cause leaf drying, so regular watering and mulching help maintain moisture.

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2. Sunlight Needs

This variety requires 6–8 hours of strong sunlight daily. Sunlight is important for:

• Thick stem formation

• Strong leaf development

• Better root growth

• Bigger and sweeter fruits

Chenkadali can tolerate partial shade, but full sunlight ensures maximum yield and healthier plants.

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3. Soil Requirements

Healthy soil is the foundation for growing Chenkadali Banana successfully. The ideal soil should be:

• Loamy or sandy-loam

• Rich in organic matter

• Deep (minimum 2 ft)

• Well-draining

• Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5)

Avoid clayey, heavy soils that retain too much water, as they cause root rot and slow growth.

Soil Preparation

Prepare a 2×2×2 ft pit and fill it with:

• 50% garden or red soil

• 25% compost or well-decomposed cow dung

• 25% river sand or cocopeat

• Neem cake (200 g) to prevent root pests

Well-prepared soil greatly improves bunch size and fruit quality.

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4. Planting & Spacing

To ensure good growth and airflow:

• Maintain 6–7 feet spacing between plants.

• Plant the sucker/tissue culture plant slightly deeper than pot level.

• Press soil firmly to remove air pockets.

• Apply thick mulch with dried leaves or coconut husk.

Proper spacing prevents fungal infections and helps sunlight reach all parts of the plant.

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5. Watering Requirements

Chenkadali Banana requires consistent moisture, especially during its early growth phase.

Watering Tips:

• Water every 2–3 days in summer

• Water twice a week in winter/monsoon

• Keep soil moist but never waterlogged

• Use drip irrigation for best results

Water stress can cause:

• Reduced leaf size

• Poor bunch formation

• Reduced sweetness

During fruiting, regular watering improves fruit size and evenness.

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6. Fertilizer Schedule

Chenkadali is a moderate to heavy feeder. A balanced fertilizer schedule ensures top-quality fruits.

Monthly Feeding:

• Compost/cow dung: 1–2 kg every month

• Biofertilizers: Trichoderma, panchagavya, or jeevamruth for disease resistance

• NPK fertilizers:

  • Month 2 & 4 – Foliar spraying 19-19-19

  • Month 3 & 5 – Soil application 17-17-17

• Magnesium sulphate: 1–2 tbsp monthly for greener foliage

• Micronutrients: Banana special mix once every 30–40 days

During Fruiting:

• Increase potassium (MOP or 0-0-50)

• Apply banana bunch booster sprays

• Use organic options like banana peel fertilizer, wood ash, or bone meal

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7. Pruning & Maintenance

Proper maintenance keeps Chenkadali plants healthy.

• Remove dried and damaged leaves regularly.

• Maintain only one mother plant + one follower sucker.

• Remove all weak or extra suckers.

• Keep base weed-free and mulched.

• Provide support in windy regions using bamboo poles.

Mulching helps maintain root temperature and moisture.

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8. Flowering & Fruiting

Chenkadali usually flowers within 8–10 months of planting.

During fruiting:

• Support the bunch with a strong stick.

• Remove the male flower (banana heart) 7–10 days after the last hand forms.

• Cover the bunch with a banana bag to prevent pest damage and sunburn.

• Maintain regular watering for uniform fruits.

Fruits take 90–110 days to mature after flowering.

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9. Pests & Diseases

Common Pests:

• Aphids

• Mealybugs

• Thrips

• Banana stem borer

Spray neem oil (3–5 ml per litre) every 10–14 days.

Diseases:

• Sigatoka leaf spot

• Panama wilt

• Bunchy top virus

Ensure good spacing, avoid waterlogging, and use disease-free planting material.

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10. Harvesting

Harvest when:

• Fruits turn plump

• Angles change from sharp to round

• Skin becomes light green to yellowish

Cut the bunch carefully and store in shade for slow, natural ripening.