Cavendish is the dominant banana of global commerce, the type found in nearly every supermarket worldwide. It rose to prominence in the mid-twentieth century when Panama disease wiped out the previously dominant Gros Michel, and its resistance to that older strain made it the industry's replacement. Cavendish plants are relatively compact for a banana, and they produce large bunches of sweet, seedless dessert fruit with thin skin that ripens from green to bright yellow. Grown as a cloned monoculture, it is now threatened by a new strain of Panama disease known as Tropical Race 4. For home growers in frost-free climates, Cavendish offers familiar, reliable sweet bananas on a manageable-sized plant that fruits within a year or two.
Flavor Profile
Classic sweet, creamy dessert banana flavor, mild and mellow when fully ripened to yellow.
Visual Characteristics
Medium-sized pseudostem bearing large bunches of curved seedless fruit ripening green to bright yellow.
Growing Tips
Needs frost-free warmth, rich moist soil, and shelter from wind; remove excess suckers to strengthen the main plant.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
Resistant to the Race 1 Panama disease that destroyed Gros Michel, but susceptible to Tropical Race 4.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.