6 Best Fertilizers For Banana Trees of 2024

By Harry RamosLast update: 2024-03-25

Whether you grow banana trees for fruits or for decoration, you need to feed them properly depending on the growth stage, soil quality, and more. A well-nourished banana tree will develop green and lush leaves as well as produce big, tasty fruits. Here are the best fertilizers for banana trees:

Here are the best fertilizers for banana trees you can buy in 2024:

  • Improve Nutrient Deficiency: Miracle-Gro 1048291
  • Slow Release: Jobe's 1612
  • Best For Abundant Crops: Wellspring Gardens Water-Soluble 15-5-30 Blend
  • For Healthy Root: Dr. Earth 713
  • Best For Leaf Growth: Grow More Banana Fertilizer 16-8-24
  • Fast Release: EarthPods EARTH-CITRUS
6 Best Fertilizers For Banana Trees
Improve Nutrient Deficiency
Miracle-Gro 1048291
    Slow Release
    Jobe's 1612
      Best For Abundant Crops
      Wellspring Gardens Water-Soluble 15-5-30 Blend
        For Healthy Root
        Dr. Earth 713
          Best For Leaf Growth
          Grow More Banana Fertilizer 16-8-24
            Fast Release
            EarthPods EARTH-CITRUS

              Improve Nutrient Deficiency: Miracle-Gro 1048291

              Miracle-Gro 1048291
              Miracle-Gro 1048291
              Pros
              • Able to improve common nutrient deficiencies in the soil – comprised of added nitrogen, potassium, iron, sulfur, and magnesium
              • Easy to hold – the wide, curved handle with great grip
              • Easy to store – a tight lid
              Cons
              • Wish the spout was a little bit smaller

              This banana fertilizer from Miracle-Gro consists of added nitrogen, potassium, iron, sulfur, and magnesium - which helps correct or improve common nutrient deficiencies in your soil.

              At the same time, this fertilizer makes the roots stronger and the plant grows healthier.

              Each unit weighs 4.5 pounds and lasts around three months. You can use it for new or existing banana trees, grown in containers or in the ground. Don't worry, the fertilizer doesn't burn if applied as directly.

              Accommodated in a container with a tight lid and an ergonomically curved handle, this fertilizer is comfortable to hold and easy to store.

              Miracle-Gro 1048291 Specifications

              Size

              4.5 Pounds

              Fertilizer Analysis

              13-7-13

              Highlight Features

              comprised of added nitrogen, potassium, iron, sulfur, and magnesium

              the wide, curved handle with great grip

              a tight lid

              Verdict

              The Miracle-Gro 1048291 not only provides rich content of micronutrients but also minor elements, so it can help improve nutrient deficiency in the soil effectively.

              Slow Release: Jobe's 1612

              Jobe's 1612
              Jobe's 1612
              Pros
              • Last up to 4 months – slow-release formula
              • Easy to apply & no wasteful runoff – spike form fertilizer
              Cons
              • It will be a real hindrance if the soil is hard

              If you want to stay away from mess, unpleasant odors, or wasteful runoff when feeding your banana trees, then our favorite pick is the Jobe's 1612.

              It comes in the form of spikes with a top cap so that you just need to gently hammer the spike around each tree’s dripline.

              According to the manufacturer, use one spike per inch of trunk diameter. Each will last up to 4 months thanks to the slow-release formula.

              Jobe's 1612 Specifications

              Size

              15 spikes, 0.88 Pounds

              Highlight Features

              slow-release formula

              spike form fertilizer

              Verdict

              Finding the best slow-release fertilizer for banana trees? Look no further than the Jobe's 1612

              Best For Abundant Crops: Wellspring Gardens Water-Soluble 15-5-30 Blend

              Wellspring Gardens Water-Soluble 15-5-30 Blend
              Wellspring Gardens Water-Soluble 15-5-30 Blend
              Pros
              • Make leaves healthier – high nitrogen content
              • Bring abundant crops – rich potassium content
              Cons
              • Probably messy for new users

              This water-soluble fertilizer is specifically blended for banana trees in containers.

              With the formula 15-5-30, just 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the fertilizer diluted with 1 gallon of water every two weeks can provide all the necessary micronutrients and minor elements. After 1-2 weeks, you will notice the difference: healthier leaves and new growth

              The final results are abundant crops.

              There’s just one thing you should note that if you are new to measuring water-soluble fertilizer, it is probably messy.

              Wellspring Gardens Water-Soluble 15-5-30 Blend Specifications

              Size

              2 lbs.

              Fertilizer Analysis

              15-5-30

              Highlight Features

              high nitrogen content

              rich potassium content

              Verdict

              If you want your banana trees grow healthy and create abundant crops, then check out the Wellspring Gardens Water-Soluble 15-5-30 Blend

              For Healthy Root: Dr. Earth 713

              Dr. Earth 713
              Dr. Earth 713
              Pros
              • Help stimulate healthy root – the formula 5-5-2
              • Contribute to drought tolerance - 8 select strains of Ector and Endomycorrhizae
              • Perfect for organic banana garden – 100% natural ingredients
              Cons
              • A bit pricey

              These fertilizer spikes are not only easy to apply but also provide optimum levels of vital micronutrients underground where plant roots can utilize them.

              It consists of 8 select strains of Ector and Endomycorrhizae and 7 strains of beneficial soil microbes to help banana trees be more drought-tolerant for higher yield.

              There's more.

              All the ingredients of this fertilizer are natural and organic without GMOs, sewage sludge, or chicken manure.

              Dr. Earth 713 Specifications

              Size

              12 Pounds

              Fertilizer Analysis

              5-5-2

              Highlight Features

              the formula 5-5-2

              8 select strains of Ector and Endomycorrhizae

              100% natural ingredients

              Verdict

              The Dr. Earth 713 contains rich micronutrients, a lot of pro-bio, beneficial soil microbes, and Ector and Endomycorrhizae, making it the best option for healthy roots.

              Best For Leaf Growth: Grow More Banana Fertilizer 16-8-24

              Grow More Banana Fertilizer 16-8-24
              Grow More Banana Fertilizer 16-8-24
              Pros
              • Fastest results on new leaf growth – the formula 16-8-24
              • Mess-free to use and store – the zippered bag design
              Cons
              • Vague instructions

              If you are focusing on stimulating new leaves growth, the Grow More Banana Fertilizer 16-8-24 will bring the fastest result. Based on our testing, this fertilizer can help banana trees shoot out new leaves every week.

              Just mix 1 tablespoon of fertilizer with 1 gallon of water, then feed your trees during the growing season.

              A bag of 5 pounds can last for a very long time. We very much appreciate the zipper, making it easy and mess-free to store.

              Grow More Banana Fertilizer 16-8-24 Specifications

              Size

              5 lbs.

              Fertilizer Analysis

              16-8-24

              Highlight Features

              the formula 16-8-24

              the zippered bag design

              Verdict

              The Grow More Banana Fertilizer 16-8-24 is specifically formulated to stimulate new leaf growth for the fastest.

              Fast Release: EarthPods EARTH-CITRUS

              EarthPods EARTH-CITRUS
              EarthPods EARTH-CITRUS
              Pros
              • The best mess-free fast-release fertilizer – capsule-form fertilizer
              • Easy to store and recycle – the tube-shape container with a tight lid
              • Reliable – sustainably made in the USA
              Cons
              • No complaint

              Unlike other fast-release fertilizers for banana trees in this list, the EarthPods EARTH-CITRUS is in the form of capsules. Each capsule is pre-measured and can last up to 2 months.

              Compared to the water-soluble type, you won't have to deal with stinky odors, confusing measuring spoons, or messy liquids when using this. All you need to do is insert the capsule directly to the soil following the directions, then water it well.

              All the capsules are contained in a tube with a tight lid, which is super-easy to store and recycle.

              In addition, this fertilizer is 100% made in the USA.

              EarthPods EARTH-CITRUS Specifications

              Size

              4 Ounces; 100 Capsules

              Highlight Features

              capsule-form fertilizer

              the tube-shape container with a tight lid

              sustainably made in the USA

              Verdict

              In need of the best fast-release banana fertilizer without having to deal with messy liquids, bad odors, and measurement? Then, try the EarthPods EARTH-CITRUS

              How To Choose The Best Fertilizer For Banana Trees?

              Type

              Fertilizers for banana trees are divided into three types: liquid, spike, and granular.

              This factor doesn’t affect the volume of supplemental nutrients packed in a fertilizer unit. Instead, it’s a personal preference issue. Each type of fertilizer has its pros and cons. To determine which is suitable for your needs, take a look at the following comparison table:


              Liquid fertilizers

              Spike fertilizers

              Granular fertilizers

              Pros

              Easy to reach the roots

              Effortless to track the area that you’ve applied the fertilize

              Easy to mix with other liquids, such as selective herbicides or pesticides

              Not require any special tools

              Easy to use

              Able to adjust the dose

              Long-lasting

              The simplest to apply

              No risks of over-fertilizing as each spike is pre-measured

              Easy to store

              More effective for slow release

              Easy to store

              More affordable to buy in bulk

              Cons

              Prone to be affected by strong winds

              Expensive

              Not last long, which means you have to fertilize your garden more frequently

              Prone to separate if stored through the winter

              Hassles of measurement

              More expensive than other types of fertilizers

              Might not distribute evenly

              Hard to adjust the doses of nutrients to meet the changing needs of banana plants during the growing season

              The plastic caps of spikes might litter the soil

              High salt content, which is prone to causing plant burning

              Require more work: after fertilizing your garden, you’ll have to water it

              Not easy to apply them evenly

              Require a spreader and water to get into the soil

              Fertilizer Analysis

              Like other plant species, bananas need a good amount of N, P, and K for plentiful growth. So, when considering a fertilizer for this plant, pay attention to the percentage of each of these micronutrients.

              While it is recommended to opt for a balanced fertilizer, take note that each growing stage of banana plants requires a specific fertilizer with a different formula.

              For example, during the growing season, banana plants need a high nitrogen fertilizer. But when they start to bloom and produce fruit, you should feed them with a high phosphorus fertilizer.

              Besides, the soil analysis will affect the choice of fertilizer formula. If it is lacking phosphorus, for example, and your banana plants are in their growing season, then you should choose a fertilizer with a high percentage of nitrogen and phosphorus.

              Which Brands Make The Best Fertilizer For Banana Trees?

              Scotts Miracle-Gro

              Ever heard of Miracle-Gro and Ortho brands?

              It is owned by Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the US longest multinational corporation - founded in 1868 - and also the world's trusted brand. Their primary product lines are garden and pest control products known for top effectiveness.

              The Jobe’s Company

              The Jobe’s Company is dedicated to producing home and garden products that help make gardening easier. They are one of the most reliable brands in North America and provide over 200 products.

              Wellspring Gardens

              A bit different from the two brands above, Wellspring Gardens specialize in providing young, hard-to-find starter plants at the lowest shipping costs. Fertilizers are their side products but are widely loved for eco-friendly and nutritious ingredients, along with great effectiveness.

              FAQs

              When should I fertilize my banana tree?

              You should fertilize your banana tree once a month during the summer. Bonus: An organic fertilizer with formula 10-10-10 is the best choice.

              Is Epsom salt good for banana trees?

              Yes, it is.

              For spectacular growth of banana trees, try either of these blends:

              • A slow-release fertilizer + 1T Epsom salt per gallon + a water soluble fertilizer
              • 1T Epsom salt per gallon + a water soluble fertilizer

              Apply every time you water the trees.

              What nutrients do banana trees need?

              Banana trees need potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen to grow healthily.

              How do you fertilize a banana plant?

              If you use a dilute liquid fertilizer solution (1/2 strength), you can apply it to your banana tree with every watering.

              If you use a slow-release fertilizer. Use 1-½ pounds of 8-10-10 every month. For indoor banana trees, utilize 1/2 of that amount. Dig the fertilizer in the area around the tree, then water it well.

              How can I increase my banana production?

              Applying the right fertilizer to your banana tree is an effective way to increase production. For the best results, it is recommended to fertilize 1/2-pound (formula 3-1-6) every 2 months, four to six times during the season.

              Once your banana trees start bearing fruit, increase to 4-6 pounds of fertilizer.

              Conclusion

              And, that wraps up this article. We have tried our best to find several niche options for specific feeding needs and more general-use fertilizers that will work for a variety of soil types. Hopefully, this comprehensive guidance helped you figure out the best fertilizer for banana trees. Thanks for reading!

              I’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!


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