Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Ice Cream Banana Tree brings a tropical look and dessert-worthy fruit to patios and backyards. Also known as Blue Java, this fast-growing banana is prized for its sweet, vanilla-hinted flavor and soft, creamy texture. Broad, wind-dancing leaves create instant resort vibes even in small spaces.
Plants thrive in warm sun, fruit reliably with steady moisture and feeding, and stay manageable in large containers. Silvery blue fruit ripens to pale yellow, turning your summer and fall harvests into smoothies, splits, and freeze-and-eat treats the whole family will love.
Ice Cream Banana Tree Care
Give 6–8+ hours of direct sun. Plant in rich, well-drained soil amended with compost; ideal pH is 5.5–7.0. Water deeply and consistently to keep soil evenly moist, especially in heat; bananas dislike prolonged dryness. Mulch 2–4 inches to conserve moisture and buffer roots, keeping mulch a few inches off the pseudostem. Feed every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a high-potassium fertilizer (look for formulations for bananas or tropical fruit); supplement with compost in spring.
In windy sites, provide shelter to reduce leaf tattering. Remove spent flower stalks and cut back fruited stem-like bases at ground level after harvest; thin pups, keeping 1–2 strong offsets to renew the clump. Best outdoors in Zones 8–11 with protection from frost; in cooler zones, grow in a container and overwinter indoors in bright light above 50°F (10°C).
Ice Cream Banana Tree Spacing
Specimen: allow 8–10 ft of width and plant 6–8 ft from walls, paths, or other trees for airflow and access. Edible screen or grove: space 6–8 ft on center; thin pups annually to maintain density and fruit quality. Containers: start with a 20–24 in diameter pot at least 18–20 in deep with large drainage holes; use a chunky, well-draining mix and elevate on pot feet. Place outdoor containers in full sun with some wind protection; move indoors before nights drop below 45–50°F (7–10°C).
Why Grow Ice Cream Banana Tree?
- Creamy, vanilla-noted bananas perfect for fresh eating, smoothies, and desserts
- Fast growth and bold, tropical foliage for instant backyard impact
- Container-friendly with reliable fruiting when watered and fed regularly
- Cold-tolerant for a banana (compared with many types) and manageable in a range of warm climates
- Low pruning needs—remove fruited stems and select a few pups to keep the clump vigorous
Add a crowd-pleasing tropical accent that pays you back with unforgettable fruit. Plant Ice Cream Banana Tree where it gets sun and steady care, and enjoy lush foliage and sweet harvests in seasons to come.
- SKU:
- EDB-BAN-ICE-LGL
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All citrus & other tropical plants, we provide a 30-day warranty to ensure that your plants thrive.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, LA, TX, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!