Also known as Abyssinian Banana · 9 saves
Ensete
Ensete, the genus most gardeners know as abyssinian banana. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 2 most-saved Ensete varieties
Browse all 3 Ensete varieties →
Species of Ensete
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Ensete in Sow
Save the Ensete you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Ensete
Whats common across all Ensete varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Ensete year
- PlantApril and May67% of varieties
Plant outside after all danger of frost has passed
- FertilizeMay–August67% of varieties
Feed heavily with high-nitrogen fertilizer monthly for fast growth
- Lift & StoreSeptember and October67% of varieties
Dig up corm after first light frost; store dormant in cool, dry place
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Apply organic compost annually for nutrients
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture
- Give it a sheltered position out of wind 🌬️
- Feed and water heavily through summer 💧
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don't expose young plants to frost
- Refrain from using chemical pesticides without organic options
- Plant it in an exposed position ❌
What goes wrong with Ensete
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses between the overlapping leaf bases | Dab off with an alcohol-moistened swab, checking deep in the crown |
| Spider mites | Stippled leaves with fine webbing, worst under cover | Raise humidity and wash the leaves thoroughly on both sides |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency |
| Anthracnose | Dark sunken lesions spreading on the leaves in humid conditions | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Ensete
Seed
- Soak the hard seed for a day or two before sowing.
- Sow into warm, moist compost and keep at high temperature.
- Be patient; germination is slow and erratic.
Suckers
- Carefully dig around sucker and separate from main plant, taking roots with it.
- Plant in prepared soil and water thoroughly.
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment.
Ensete questions
How many types of Ensete are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Ensete varieties. The most popular — ranked by 9 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Ensete grow in?
Across its varieties, Ensete covers USDA Zones 9–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Ensete bloom?
Most Ensete varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Ensete should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.