Musa Ensete

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial

Familiy, Origin:Musaceae, South-East Asia, Africa

Sitelocation:Full sun - partial shade

Garden Height:300 cm,118,11 inch

Crop Time:Plug crop: not possible; Green pots: 6-15 months; Flowering pots: 15-18 months

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:1 K/g

Sowing Method:1 seed per plug, sowing direct in pot is recommended

Germination:3-6 months at 24-30 °C, in media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.8-7.5. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 h before sowing. Before sowing treat substrate with fungicide. Cover seed with vermiculite, sand or substrate after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the soil moisture, but the plug should not dry out and reduce the temperature to 24 °C. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,5 EC. Start fertilization at 50 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased to 150-200 ppm.

Growing On:4-6 weeks after sowing transplant 1 plant into a pot (8-10 cm) and 8-10 weeks later transplant into a container (5-25 l). After transplanting keep the pots, because it is possible that more seeds germinate at a later time. Avoid root injury, because the risk of fungi infection is quite high.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 20-30 % clay, 0-15 % parts (e.g. sand, perlite), 3 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 0-3 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-12 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.8-7.5.

Temperature:Grow at 20-27 °C. Musa does not tolerate frost. Wintering indoors (5-13 °C), in conservatory or cold greenhouse is possible.

Fertilization:Moderate-high fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 150-200 ppm nitrogen (at 3 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using alternating a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K2O-ratio: 1:1,5) and calcium nitrate fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. From September to February decrease the fertilization and fertilize monthly in only low concentrations.

Cultural Hints:During growth period have Musa a high water supply, but avoid over watering. The roots are very sensitive too wet substrate. Outdoors the plants need sunny and warm locations. Protect the plant against wind, because the wind will tear up the foliage.