Banana Njalipoovan

Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing

Banana Njalipoovan, also known as Mysore Poovan or Rasakadali in some regions, is a highly valued banana variety grown widely across South India. Loved for its sweet, aromatic fruits and excellent shelf life, Njalipoovan is a hardy performer in both homestead gardens and farms. Proper care ensures vigorous growth, improved fruit size, and consistent yields. Below is a complete care guide covering soil, climate, watering, nutrition, pest control, and harvesting.

Banana Njalipoovan Care Guide :

1. Ideal Climate and Sunlight

Njalipoovan bananas thrive in warm, humid tropical climates. They require at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce healthy leaves and well-developed bunches. The ideal temperature range is 20–35°C, though mature plants can tolerate slightly higher heat. Protection from strong winds is necessary because Njalipoovan has long, flexible leaves that tear easily. Plant them near a wall or use windbreak plants for safety.

2. Suitable Soil Conditions

This banana variety grows best in rich, well-draining loamy soil. Avoid waterlogging at all costs because the plant’s shallow root system is prone to rot. Ideal soil pH is 5.5–7.0. Before planting, mix the soil with well-decomposed cow dung, compost, and neem cake to improve fertility and reduce fungal infections. In clay soil, enhance aeration with sand and cocopeat.

3. Planting and Spacing

Use healthy suckers or tissue-culture plants for best results. Each plant needs ample space to grow, so maintain a spacing of 6–8 feet between plants. Dig pits of 2 x 2 feet, fill them with organic manure, and allow them to settle for a week before planting. Place the plant upright and cover with loose soil, ensuring the corm is not buried too deep.

4. Watering Requirements

Bananas require consistent moisture. Water the plant 3–4 times a week during hot seasons and reduce frequency to 1–2 times a week during cooler months. The soil should always remain slightly moist but never soggy. Mulching with dried leaves, straw, or coir helps retain moisture, prevents weeds, and keeps the root zone cool. Drip irrigation is highly beneficial for maintaining uniform soil moisture.

5. Fertilizers and Nutrition

Njalipoovan is a heavy feeder. To achieve robust plant growth and good fruiting, follow this nutrition plan:

• At planting: 10–15 kg compost + 250 g neem cake

• 2nd month: NPK 60:30:30 split dose

• 4th month: Additional NPK 40:20:20 + micronutrients

• Before flowering: Organic liquid fertilizers like panchagavya, fish amino acid, or banana tonic

Regularly add vermicompost, cow dung, and wood ash around the base. Potassium is essential for fruit size and taste, so include potash-rich fertilizers during the fruiting months.

6. Support and Maintenance

As the bunch develops, the plant becomes top-heavy. Support it with a bamboo pole or T-shaped stick to prevent bending or wind damage. Remove unwanted suckers, keeping only one strong follower sucker to replace the mother plant after harvest. Remove dried leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.

7. Pest and Disease Control

Common issues include:

• Banana stem borer

• Aphids

• Thrips

• Leaf spot diseases (Sigatoka)

Spray neem oil (5 ml per litre) once every 15 days for prevention. If fungal spots appear, remove affected leaves and apply an organic fungicide. Avoid overhead watering to minimise leaf wetness.

8. Flowering and Fruiting

Njalipoovan typically begins flowering 8–10 months after planting depending on care and climate. After the flower appears, cut off the male bud (banana heart) a week later for better fruit development. Maintain consistent watering and nutrition during fruit formation.

9. Harvesting

Fruits mature in 90–120 days after flowering. Njalipoovan bananas are ready to harvest when the fruits turn plump, the angles become round, and the skin turns slightly pale green. Cut the bunch with a sharp knife and store it in a cool area for natural ripening.