• Florida gardeners have a variety of choices in banana cultivars.Tier Und Naturfotografie J & C Sohns/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
  
  Gardeners living within frost-free areas of Florida have many choices in banana cultivars that will grow well in their landscapes. Plants grow best in temperatures between 78 degrees and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the University of Florida. Members of the family Musaceae and relatives to gingers and bird-of-paradise, banana plants prefer growing in warm- to hot-weather conditions. Each banana plant produces fruits one time before dying, but pups grow from underground tubers, which gardeners can dig up and transplant.
  
  

Dwarf Cavendish

• Florida gardeners desiring a smallish cultivar of banana should plant dwarf Cavendish (Musa acuminate 'Dwarf Cavendish'). It is a relatively cold-hardy cultivar and is resistant to Panama wilt disease. Plants grow relatively quickly, reaching a mature height of 4 feet to 7 feet. The banana plant produces big bunches of fruits of a medium size, which are sweet and suitable for eating raw. Dwarf Cavendish grows best situated in full sun, in rich, well-draining soils. It is a heavy drinker and feeder, so gardeners should water plants regularly for the best fruit production. Plants require fertilization four to six times each year with a fertilizer blend specific for bananas and applied according to package directions. Space multiple plants approximately 8 feet apart.
  
  

Lady Finger

• Lady finger (Musa acuminate 'Lady Finger'), is a banana cultivar suitable for use in larger Florida landscapes. Plants grow rather quickly, reaching mature heights of 20 feet to 25 feet. This banana plant produces bunches of smallish, sweet fruits, suitable for eating raw. Harvest takes place approximately 15 months after setting plants into the ground. These plants grow, flower and fruit best when grown in full-sun conditions. Lady finger prefers growing in rich, well-draining soils that are kept moist but not flooded. Gardeners should water these plants regularly for the best growth and fruit productions. As lady finger is a heavy feeder, fertilize plants four to six times each year with a fertilizer specific to banana plants and applied according to package directions. Space multiple plants at least 12 feet apart.
  
  

Apple

• Florida gardeners desiring a medium-sized banana plant should consider adding apple (Musa acuminate 'Apple') into their landscapes. These plants have a fast growth rate, reaching up to 12 feet tall at maturity. Considered a dessert banana, the 4- to 6-inch fruits have a subacidic flavor. Bananas are ripe when brownish specs appear on the outer skin. Harvest occurs approximately 15 months after planting. These plants grow best situated in full sun. Apple prefers a rich, well-draining soil kept moist. Gardeners should water plants regularly for the best production of fruits. The banana requires four to six fertilizer applications yearly, applied according to package directions. Space multiple apple banana plants approximately 8 feet to 10 feet apart.