{"product_id":"ice-cream-banana-plant-blue-java-musa-starter-live-tropical-plant","title":"Ice Cream Banana Plant - Blue Java Musa Starter Live Tropical Plant","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Ice Cream Banana, also known as Blue Java, is a tropical banana variety prized for its sweet, creamy fruit that is often described as tasting like vanilla ice cream. This cold-hardy banana plant produces attractive blue-green foliage and can grow into an impressive specimen in the garden or in a large container. Its lush, tropical appearance makes it a stunning focal point for patios, sunrooms, and warm-climate landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you are an experienced tropical plant collector or a home gardener looking to add a unique fruiting plant, the Ice Cream Banana is a rewarding choice. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and can produce fruit when given adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. With proper care, this starter plant will grow into a beautiful, fruit-bearing tropical plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduces sweet, creamy fruit with a flavor reminiscent of vanilla ice cream\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShowy blue-green leaves and pseudostems add tropical beauty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan be grown in the ground in warm climates or in containers elsewhere\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFast-growing and rewarding for home gardeners\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCold-hardy compared to many other banana varieties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Musa acuminata × balbisiana (Blue Java \/ Ice Cream)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tropical perennial, often grown as an annual in cooler zones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Regular watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, clumping, with large paddle-shaped leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9-11, may survive in zone 8 with protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late spring to summer under ideal conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10-15 feet in ideal conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6-8 feet apart for in-ground planting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you receive your Ice Cream Banana starter plant, allow it to acclimate to its new environment for a few days before transplanting. Choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. If planting in a container, use a large pot with drainage holes and a rich, peat-based potting mix. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed your banana plant regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to support vigorous growth and fruit production. In cooler zones, bring container plants indoors before the first frost or provide winter protection for in-ground plants. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage new growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne Ice Cream Banana starter plant (Blue Java Musa), rooted and ready for planting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67739753775414,"sku":"EDNA-212","price":104.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.8084561516_5iw2.jpg?v=1792115123","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/ice-cream-banana-plant-blue-java-musa-starter-live-tropical-plant","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}