Banana Trees
Banana plants can thrive in Florida’s warm, humid climate. Varieties like Orinoco, Namwah, and Ice Cream Banana can survive light freezes if protected, allowing them to fruit successfully.
Chiquita Banana
Chiquita Banana is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Classic dessert banana known for its sweet flavor and smooth texture. A fast-growing variety ideal for warm, frost-free climates.
- Cold tolerance: Minimal — protect from frost
- Ripening: Year-round in tropical climates; late summer to early fall in subtropics
- Uses: Fresh eating, smoothies, baking, dehydrating
Dwarf Cavendish Banana
Dwarf Cavendish Banana is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Compact banana plant that produces full-sized, sweet fruit. Perfect for small gardens or container growing in warm climates.
- Cold tolerance: Low — protect below 35°F (1.6°C)
- Ripening: Year-round in tropical zones; late summer to fall in subtropics
- Uses: Fresh eating, fruit salads, baking
Ice Cream (Blue Java) Banana
Ice Cream (Blue Java) Banana is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Unique banana variety with a bluish peel and creamy, vanilla-like flavor. Cold-tolerant for a banana, making it a great choice for subtropical gardens.
- Cold tolerance: Hardy to 20–25°F (-6 to -4°C) once established
- Ripening: Late summer to fall
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, frozen treats — its flavor is often compared to vanilla ice cream
Namwah Banana
Namwah Banana is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Thai dessert banana prized for its rich, creamy flavor. Hardy and productive, with clusters of plump, sweet fruit.
- Cold tolerance: Moderate — can survive brief dips to 28°F (-2°C)
- Ripening: Summer to early fall
- Uses: Fresh eating, frying, smoothies, and Thai desserts
Orinoco Banana
Orinoco Banana is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Versatile banana that can be eaten fresh or cooked as a plantain. Tolerant of cooler conditions compared to most tropical varieties.
- Cold tolerance: Hardy to 20–25°F (-6 to -4°C)
- Ripening: Summer to early fall
- Uses: Fresh eating when ripe, or cooking (frying, baking, boiling) when green
Puerto Rican Plantain
Puerto Rican Plantain is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Starchy cooking banana used in savory dishes across the tropics. Best when fried, baked, or boiled, and thrives in hot, humid conditions.
- Cold tolerance: Minimal — must be protected from frost
- Ripening: Year-round in tropical climates; late summer to fall in subtropics
- Uses: Frying, boiling, baking — a staple in Caribbean, Latin American, and African cuisines