About trees
Grand Naine is a clone in the AAA Cavendish subgroup, recorded directly by MGIS as an accession. Its name roughly means 'large dwarf', reflecting a plant habit that falls between very dwarf types and taller Cavendish bananas. It produces a sturdy pseudostem, large leaves above the crown, and hands with many fingers when supplied with sufficient water and nutrients. The curved fruits have green skin when unripe and turn yellow when ripe, with soft, sweet flesh for fresh consumption. Identifying Grand Naine is more useful than using the broad term Cavendish because it links the plant to the specific clone's planting material and production characteristics.
Grow it in full sun on deep, loamy soil with good drainage and high organic matter. Maintain consistent water from leaf production through fruit filling, avoiding both prolonged drought and waterlogging around the rhizome. Apply fertilizer in several small doses and increase potassium before the bunch emerges. Retain only a healthy mother plant and sword suckers to reduce competition for nutrients. Remove dry leaves while keeping healthy green leaves to support the fruit. Large bunches require support before reaching their maximum weight, and may be covered with a breathable material to prevent blemishes. Planting material should come from a clean source and be labeled by clone, because different Cavendish types are difficult to distinguish at the young-plant stage.
