Blue Java is a frost-resistant banana plant with edible, almost blue bananas that taste like vanilla ice cream.

Before the fruit ripens, it is covered in a waxy, blue sheen, something rarely seen in other banana varieties. The Blue Java banana is sometimes called the “Ice Cream Banana” due to its sweet, almost vanilla ice cream-like taste. An exotic and at the same time surprisingly hardy banana plant, suitable for Swedish indoor cultivation!

It can withstand cold about the same as more hardy species such as Musa basjoo , and can be overwintered outdoors in protected locations in parts of Sweden (down to about –12°C) if it is wrapped properly and heating cables are used.

Botanical description

Blue Java is originally from Southeast Asia, where many banana varieties originate. The variety is believed to have originated on or around Java as a natural hybrid between Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana and its scientific name is therefore Musa acuminata × balbisiana (ABB Group) 'Blue Java'.

Over time, it has spread to Hawaii, Fiji, the Philippines and large parts of the tropics, which also explains why it has so many local nicknames such as Hawaiian banana, Krie and Cenizo.

It grows quite large, between 4–6 meters in height under good conditions. The leaves are broad and can be up to 2.5 meters long, with a silvery sheen also on the stem and leaves. The fruits are in relatively small clusters and are 18–23 cm long. When unripe they are clearly blue-green, and when ripe they turn a light yellow tone with soft, white and creamy flesh.

Care

Despite its exotic appearance, the Blue Java banana is surprisingly hardy.

Overwintering outdoors is not really recommended, but it is possible. In that case, you should build a shelter around the plant with netting or similar. Wrap the stem and root ball with a heating coil that protects against total freezing. Fill the inside with leaves, straw or other organic material when the temperature starts to creep down to zero. In the spring, remove the shelter and prune down to the level where the stem is still healthy. With a strong base, the plant can shoot up to 4 meters in just one summer.

Overwintering should otherwise take place indoors in Sweden when the temperature drops to around 10 degrees. Therefore, it is best to grow the banana plant in a pot that can be easily moved. Often a fairly large pot is required, so it can be smart to choose a pot that does not weigh very much.

The Blue Java banana tree thrives best in a sunny location and planted in moist but well-drained soil with a consistent supply of water. We grow all of our banana plants in our peat-free soil and under indoor grow lights .

Perfect for those who want to grow something truly unusual, get a little tropical feeling at home and maybe even harvest their own “ice cream bananas”. Buy Banana plant 'Blue Java'!