Plantain as a forage crop The plants have thicker, deeper roots than common pasture grasses so they tolerate dry summer conditions and provide an alternative feed source.
What type of plant is plantain?
banana
plantain, major group of banana varieties (genus Musa) that are staple foods in many tropical areas. The edible fruit of plantain bananas has more starch than the common dessert banana and is not eaten raw.
Does plantain have roots?
Plantain roots are small compared to many wild plant roots, but they can be cooked and blended into soups and vegetable dishes. The seeds of Plantago major are related to Plantago ovata, or psyllium seeds. (These are used in popular fiber supplements.)
What type of propagation is plantain?
vegetatively propagated
Suckers Plantains are vegetatively propagated, most often from suckers (shoots that grow from a bud at the base of the plant) or from corms (underground bulbs known as rhizomes). The use of whole corms is very laborious so it is more common to grow from small pieces of corm.
Where does plantain grow best?
Pretty much anywhere is fine. This perennial will grow in full sun or part shade, in virtually any soil type. It may be grown from seed or transplants.
Is plantain a root vegetable?
Along with Cassava, Plantain is probably the starchy vegetable I eat most. And yes, you’re totally right: plantains aren’t actually root vegetables, but fruit! They most closely resemble, and grow in much the same manner as, their cousin the banana!
How many years does plantain take to grow?
Plantain takes about 8 months to start to yield and about 3 months to mature. That’s to say, it takes about a year to have the first harvest from the planting date.
How deep do plantain roots go?
In well-drained, loose soils, the University of Florida IFAS Extension says the roots are capable of reaching up to 5 feet deep and spreading up to 16 feet horizontally.
Is plantain good for the soil?
Plantains are a good indicator of compacted soils and can tolerate dry conditions. Plantains like alkaline soils.
Where does plantain plant grow?
Plantain, known as Plantago major, grows all over North America and around the world. It is commonly found in yards and gardens where pesticides aren’t used. Chances are, if you’re a Climate Victory Gardener, you’ve come across this plant.
How does plantain propagate?
Propagating Plantain Trees
When propagating a new plantain plant, you can leave just one sucker on the plant at a time. Let it grow on the parent plant for about six to eight months before removing it, and then start the new plant in a container until it’s large enough to be transplanted outdoors.
How does a plantain grow?
Plantains are grown from a super long 12-15 foot (3.5-5 m.) underground rhizome. The resulting plant has giant leaves (up to 9 feet (3 m.) long and 2 feet (0.5 m.)
What type of propagation is banana?
vegetative means
Commercial bananas are seedless and propagated exclusively by vegetative means. The banana has a reduced underground stem, called the rhizome, which bears several buds. Each of these buds sprouts and forms its own pseudostem and a new bulbous rhizome. These daughter plants are called suckers.
What kind of soil does plantain like?
sandy
Cultivation of Plantain in Gardens
Plantain herb growing requires very little effort, as the plant grows across the country in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Plantain herb grows in full sun or partial shade and nearly any soil, including sandy or rocky soil.
What climate does plantain grow?
Habitat: Plantains grow well in warm and humid tropical and subtropical climates.
What crop can be planted with plantain?
Intercropping of plantains with food crops : maize, cassava and cocoyams.
Is plantain a root or tuber?
A potato is a tuber, which bares potatoes in the roots, while a plantain is a flowering plant that bares its products in fruit form.
Is banana a root crop?
Like sweet potato, potato also exhibits a growing period of about four months, shorter than many other root crops.
2. Origins and distribution.
| Root crop | Common name | Suggested origin |
|---|---|---|
| Musa acuminate | banana/plantain | Southeast Asia |
What food group is a plantain?
A plantain (or simply a cooking banana) is classified as a fruit. The banana-like fruit is popular in Latin America, Caribbean, and Asian countries and can be cooked in several ways.
What is the planting depth of plantain?
Choose a sunny, warm area of your garden and dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball. Plant the plantain at the same level it was growing in the pot. Keep the plantain 4-6 feet from other plants to give it plenty of room to spread.
What month is best to plant plantain?
Planting plantain suckers in the month of June will allow the suckers to grow well because this month is the heart of the rainy season. The maturity time of plantain when planted in June will fall in the lean time which will enable the farmer to sell at a high price.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
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