Skip to content
Knowledge/Crops/Plantain
Fruits

Plantain

Musa paradisiaca

Plantain is a starchy banana variety that is typically larger and less sweet than dessert bananas. It is a staple food in many tropical regions and is often cooked before consumption. Plantains are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins A and C, and potassium. They can be boiled, fried, or baked and are used in a variety of dishes.

Calculate System for Plantain
600.00–1200.00mm
Water Need
180 days
Season
30.00–90.00cm
Root Depth
30,000 kg/ha
Yield
5,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Sep (180 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
50 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
70 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Plantains require warm temperatures and are sensitive to frost. There are several varieties, including green, yellow, and black plantains, each with different culinary uses.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 600.001200.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Low
Water Productivity: 12.000 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Furrow Irrigation50.00%

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 20.0°C – 35.0°C

Tropical Wet
ETo: 3.006.00 mm/day
Temp: 20.0°C – 32.0°C
Frost: none
Frost Tolerance: Very low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: High heat tolerance
Plantains prefer humid conditions and should be protected from strong winds. Shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates.

Planting Layout

200.00cm
Row Spacing
100.00cm
Plant Spacing
5,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)200 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)80 kg/ha
Potassium (K)250 kg/ha
50
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
30
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
25
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen and potassium in multiple splits throughout the growing season.
Organic Matter: Maintain 3-5% organic matter for optimal growth.

Yield Information

30,000
kg/ha
3.000
kg/plant
0.500
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, firmness, starch content

Design Your Plantain Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Plantain field.

Open Calculators

Related Guides

Introduction to Growing and Irrigating Plantain

Plantain, a close relative of the banana, is a versatile and economically valuable crop that is grown in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Not only is it a staple food for millions of people, but it also has a wide range of industrial and commercial uses. In order to maximize the yield and…

Read Guide
Newsletter

Stay ahead of the season.

Get irrigation tips, product launches, and exclusive offers — straight to your inbox.

  • Irrigation tips & guides
  • Product announcements
  • Exclusive discounts
  • Early access to new tools

No spam, unsubscribe anytime.