- 1). Make a rich organic growing medium for the red banana plant. In a very large tub, pot or even half whiskey vat set on a pot dolly, combine 2 parts potting soil, 2 parts compost and 1 part sand for good drainage. Bananas need lots of moisture but do not like wet roots. Make certain there are drainage holes in whatever container you choose.
- 2). Remove the red banana plant from its nursery pot. Red banana is not widely available in nurseries and you may have to order it. Gently spread the roots out and cut off any broken or rotten ones.
- 3). Dig out a pit in the container for the root ball. Situate the plant so its roots are covered and 1/4 inch below the lip of the container. Push soil in around the roots and compress the soil. Cover the top of the surface with manure for nutrients and as a mulch. Water until the water begins to come out of the drainage holes. Water slowly so the soil has time to absorb the moisture.
- 4). Move the plant to a sunny location. The pot dolly will make it easy to move as the season changes to take advantage of sunlight and to bring it into shelter if a freeze threatens. In cold climates bring it indoors for the winter.
- 5). Keep dead and damaged foliage pruned off the plant. Apply a fertilizer in the ratio 8-10-8 once in early spring and again in early summer, following the application instructions on the package. Harvest the fruit when the skin is a deep reddish-black. Do not allow them to remain on the plant too long or they will ferment.
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