Musa sikkimensis is a hardy banana that makes an excellent addition to the subtropical border of your garden. It forms a strong and vigorously growing foliage plant with large oval leaves that have burgundy markings.
It is tolerant of most growing conditions, although it will produce the best display if planted in well draining, but moist, soil.
It tolerates windy conditions and can be grown in the cool greenhouse or sheltered border.
Plants can be raised from seed sown in spring, although they can be slow to germinate.
Additional Classification Data
Family: Musaceae
Genus: Musa
Species: Sikkimensis
Cultivar: None Identified
Additional Notes
In zone 7B/8A in the North Georgia mountains, Musa Sikkimensis seems to be as hardy if not more than Musa Basjoo. One Hardy Tropicals visitor, Cris, planted a sikki grown from seed one Spring, and it reached 7ft the first year. The following winter, they put a wire cage around it, filled the cage with leaves, covered that with plastic, and managed to save about 4ft of stem. This same banana started pushing a new leaf by the end of the February and that four young pups also grew in at the base over winter. The coldest night that winter in their location was 11F, with a few other nights in the teens. Thanks for the feedback, Cris!
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zone 7b: to 5 °F
USDA Zone 8a: to 10 °F
USDA Zone 8b: to 15 °F
USDA Zone 9a: to 20 °F
USDA Zone 9b: to 25 °F
Plant Height
Height 12-15 ft.
Height 15-20 ft.
Light Exposure
Light - 40% to 60% Shade
Light - 60% to 80% Shade
Growth Rate
Rate - Fast
