Knowing when to pick your Florida banana tree fruit is the key to perfect sweetness. Getting the timing right means you enjoy that creamy, tropical flavor at its absolute best, straight from your own backyard.
It can be tricky, though. Pick too early, and you get a starchy, bitter disappointment. Wait too long, and squirrels, birds, or even a sudden storm might beat you to the harvest. This guide will walk you through the simple signs that your bananas are ready, so you can pick them with confidence.
Florida Banana Tree When To Pick
Unlike many fruits, bananas stop ripening once they are cut from the plant. This makes the picking decision crucial. Your goal is to harvest them at the precise moment they have developed their full sugar potential but before they ripen on the stalk.
The Top Signs Your Bananas Are Ready to Pick
Watch for these visual and physical clues. You usually don’t need all of them; a combination of two or three is a strong signal.
- The Flower Remnant is Dry: At the very end of the banana bunch, there’s a dried-up purple flower. When this is completely shriveled and brittle, it’s a good early sign.
- Color Change from Green to Yellowish-Green: The bananas themselves will start to lose their deep green color. They’ll become a lighter, more yellowish-green. In some varieties, a slight dullness replaces the glossy green sheen.
- Fullness and Roundness: The individual bananas (called “fingers”) will look plump and rounded, not sharply angled or skinny. They fill out their ridges.
- Ease of Picking: Gently try to turn a banana. A mature one will snap off cleanly from the stalk (the “hand”) with a slight twist. If you have to tug or force it, it’s not ready.
- Upper Hands Ripen First: The top hands of the bunch mature first. It’s common to harvest in stages, taking the ready top hands and leaving the lower ones for another week or two.
The Flower-to-Harvest Timeline
While signs are best, a general timeline helps you plan. From the time you see the banana flower (inflorescence) appear, it typically takes:
- 60-90 days for the fruit to develop and be ready for picking.
- Another 5-10 days for them to ripen indoors after picking.
Florida’s warm climate supports this relatively fast progression. Hotter summers may speed it up a bit, while cooler winter periods can slow it down. Use the timeline as a rough guide, but always trust the physical signs more.
Step-by-Step: How to Harvest Your Banana Bunch
Harvesting needs care to avoid damaging your tree or yourself. Here’s the safe way to do it.
- Gather Tools: You’ll need a sharp knife or pruning saw, a sturdy friend, and some soft padding (like an old blanket).
- Support the Bunch: Have your friend hold the stem (the stalk bearing the bunch) from underneath. The bunch can be surprisingly heavy!
- Cut the Stalk: About a foot above the top hand of bananas, make a clean cut through the main stalk. Your friend will take the weight.
- Lower it Gently: Carefully lower the entire bunch and lay it on your padded surface. Try not to bang or bruise the fruit.
- Separate the Hands: Now, you can cut individual hands off the main stalk for easier handling. Leave a small “handle” of stalk on each hand for carrying.
A Crucial Warning About the Tree
After harvesting, the stalk that bore the fruit will die. You should cut it down to the ground to make room for new “pups” or suckers that will become your next banana trees. Always wear gloves, as banana sap stains clothes and skin terribly and can be difficult to remove.
The Ripening Process After Picking
Once picked, your work isn’t quite done. Bananas need a controlled ripening phase.
- Bring Them Indoors: Never try to ripen bananas in direct Florida sun outdoors; they’ll just rot. Bring the hands inside to a cool, dark spot like a pantry or garage.
- Use a Plastic Bag (Optional): To speed up ripening, place the bananas in a perforated plastic bag with a ripe apple. The apple gives off ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent.
- Watch the Color: They will turn from green to yellow, often with brown speckles. The speckles are a sign of peak sweetness!
- Check for Softness: A gentle squeeze should yield slightly. When they’re soft and fragrant, they’re ready to eat.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with perfect timing, issues can arise. Here’s how to handle them.
Birds and Squirrels
If pests are taking nibbles, your picking window may be shorter. You can cover the developing bunch with a specialized banana bag or old pillowcase once the hands have filled out. This protects them from both pests and sunscald.
Split Peels or Overripe on the Tree
Sometimes, after heavy rain, the fruit can split or ripen too fast on the tree. If this happens, harvest immediately, even if they’re small. You can still use slightly underripe bananas for cooking, and overripe ones are perfect for banana bread.
Cold Weather Threat
A sudden cold snap can damage fruit. If temperatures are forecast to drop near freezing, it’s better to harvest the entire bunch early, even if it’s green. They will often still ripen indoors, though flavor might be slightly less intense.
Choosing the Right Variety for Florida
Some banana varieties perform better in Florida’s climate and are easier to judge for ripeness. Popular and reliable choices include:
- ‘Dwarf Cavendish’: A classic, reliable producer that stays a manageable size.
- ‘Apple’ or ‘Manzano’: Has a slight apple flavor when ripe and turns a darker yellow, almost black, at full sweetness.
- ‘Ice Cream’ (Blue Java): Known for its silvery-blue fruit and vanilla-like flavor. The fruit turns a pale yellow when ripe.
- ‘Raja Puri’: Excellent disease resistance and produces sweet, thin-skinned fruit.
Choosing a well-adapted variety gives you a head start on a succesful harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you pick bananas when they are green?
Yes, you can pick them green if neccessary due to weather or pests. They will ripen off the tree, though the sweetness may not be as concentrated as if they had matured fully on the plant.
How long does it take for picked green bananas to ripen?
Typically, it takes between 5 to 10 days at room temperature. Using a paper bag can speed this process up by a couple days.
Why are my bananas not getting sweet after picking?
This usually means they were harvested too early, before their sugar stores had fully developed. The fruit must reach a certain maturity on the tree to ever become sweet.
What part of Florida is best for banana trees?
Bananas grow well throughout Florida, but they thrive in the warmer central and southern regions. In North Florida, they need a protected, sunny spot and may benefit from winter mulch.
Should I cut the purple flower off my banana tree?
It’s generally recommended to cut off the remaining flower bud once the last hand of bananas has set. This directs the plant’s energy into filling out the existing fruit instead of trying to produce more.
Mastering the art of picking your Florida bananas is incredibly rewarding. By paying close attention to the color, shape, and feel of the fruit, you’ll consistently harvest bunches that ripen into perfectly sweet, creamy treats. Remember, it’s always better to pick a little late than far too early. With a bit of practice, you’ll develop an eye for that ideal moment, ensuring you get the very best flavor from your own garden.