Poovan banana

Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing

Poovan banana, also known as Poovan Pazham or Karpuravalli, is one of the most popular South Indian backyard banana varieties loved for its sweet aroma, smooth texture, and excellent shelf life. It is a hardy, fast-growing variety that adapts well to tropical climates, making it a favourite among home gardeners and small farmers. With the right care, Poovan bananas produce strong bunches with 8–12 hands and remain relatively resistant to common diseases compared to other cultivars.

Below is a detailed care guide to help you grow a healthy and productive Poovan banana plant.

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Poovan Banana Care – Complete Guide:

1. Ideal Climate and Sunlight

Poovan bananas thrive best in warm, humid, tropical climates, such as those in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Requirements

• Sunlight: A minimum of 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Temperature: Prefers 25–35°C. Growth slows below 18°C.

• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity ensures smooth leaf development.

• Wind Protection: Young plants are sensitive to heavy winds. Use windbreaks or grow near a protective wall.

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2. Soil Conditions

Healthy soil is the foundation for a strong, disease-free banana plant.

Best soil type

• Loamy, fertile, well-draining soil

• Soil pH: 5.5 to 7

• Organic matter must be high for continuous nutrient supply.

Soil preparation

Before planting:

• Mix 2–3 kg well-decomposed cow dung/compost per planting pit.

• Add neem cake (200 g) to prevent soil pests.

• Ensure good drainage; Poovan does not like standing water around the rhizome.

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3. Planting and Spacing

Poovan is a medium-sized banana variety.

Spacing

• Maintain 1.8–2 meters between plants.

• Plant in pits of 45 x 45 x 45 cm enriched with compost.

Planting method

• Place the sucker upright in the pit.

• Firm the soil around the base.

• Water deeply after planting.

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4. Watering Requirements

Bananas need consistent moisture for quick growth.

Watering tips

• Water the plant 2–3 times a week during dry months.

• Reduce frequency during rainy season to prevent rot.

• Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.

• Mulch with dried leaves or coconut husk to retain moisture.

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5. Fertilizer Schedule

Poovan is a heavy feeder. A regular feeding cycle boosts leaf production and fruit quality.

Recommended feeding

• Organic compost/cow dung: 2–3 kg every 45 days

• NPK 5:10:10 or 10:10:10: 100–150 g every 60 days

• Banana special micronutrient mix: boosts fruiting

• Apply potash-rich fertilizer during bunch formation for larger fruits.

Fertilizer tips

• Always water after adding fertilizers.

• Avoid placing fertilizers directly on the pseudostem.

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6. Pruning and Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures maximum yield.

Steps

1. Remove dried leaves every 2–3 weeks.

2. Allow only one main plant + 1 follower sucker to grow.

3. Remove all other unwanted suckers.

4. Support the plant with a bamboo pole when it starts fruiting to prevent bending.

5. Apply mulch to improve moisture retention and soil health.

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7. Pests and Diseases

Poovan banana is moderately resistant but still requires monitoring.

Common issues

• Banana weevil

• Aphids

• Nematodes

• Sigatoka leaf spot (fungal)

Prevention

• Apply neem oil spray every 15 days.

• Maintain clean soil and remove dried leaves promptly.

• Ensure good air circulation around the plant.

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8. Flowering and Fruiting

Poovan usually flowers in 8–12 months depending on care.

Tips for better fruiting

• Provide high potassium during flower emergence.

• Remove the male flower (banana heart) once the last hand forms.

• Cover bunches with a banana bunch cover to protect from insects and sunburn.

The fruits mature in 90–110 days after flowering.

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9. Harvesting

Harvest when bananas turn light green to yellowish and the edges become rounded.

• Cut the bunch carefully without damaging the trunk.

• Store in a cool, dry place for natural ripening.