Bananen-bananas Musa acuminata "Blue Java" - Ice Cream - Blue Banana

• Article number: MUBLU01

The Musa acuminata "Blue Java" is known by many different names, including Blue Banana, Ice Cream Banana, Vanilla Banana, Blue Java Banana, Hawaiian Banana, Ney Mannan, Krie, and Cenizo. This banana has earned these names due to its unique appearance. Its fruits have a distinct blue color, which is especially noticeable before they ripen. While most banana varieties have green fruit at this stage, the Blue Java turns blue.

Originally, like all bananas, this variety comes from Southeast Asia. However, it has mainly spread throughout Hawaii and the surrounding islands, which is why it is sometimes called the Hawaiian Banana. It is also found in nearly all tropical regions of the world. Although it has different names in different locations, the most widely recognized name remains "Blue Java." It is named after the Indonesian island of Java, where this variety likely originated as a hybrid between Musa balbisiana and Musa acuminata. The plant's full scientific name is therefore Musa acuminata × balbisiana (ABB Group) 'Blue Java'.

Growers typically refer to this banana as Blue Java or Ice Cream Banana. The latter name comes from the fruit’s flavor, which resembles vanilla or custard.

The Blue Java is moderately cold-hardy, similar to Musa basjoo, Musa sikkimensis, and Musella lasiocarpa. With proper protection, it can survive the winter. A good method is to place a large wire frame around the plant and fill it with leaves and other organic material when temperatures drop below freezing. This protects the banana from the cold. In spring, the insulation can be removed, and the banana can be cut back to the point where it has not frozen (depending on how high the protective frame was and how harsh the winter was). If the plant has a strong base and is pruned at around 1.5 meters, it can easily reach a height of 4 meters in one summer.

Under optimal conditions, the Blue Java can grow up to 6 meters tall. Its leaves can reach a length of 2.5 meters and a width of up to 80 cm. The waxy coating that gives its fruit a bluish tint is also present on the stem and leaves, giving the plant a silvery appearance.

Cold hardiness: Zone 8 (-12ºC)