Dwarf Cavendish is a compact form of the Cavendish banana, one of the oldest and most widely grown dessert cultivars, named for its short pseudostem rather than small fruit. Typically reaching only six to eight feet tall, it is far more manageable than standard bananas and is a leading choice for container growing, greenhouses, and small gardens. Despite its short stature, it produces full-sized bunches of sweet yellow dessert bananas. Its wind resistance and compact height make it popular in cyclone-prone regions and cooler marginal climates where it can be moved under cover. The broad leaves sometimes show faint reddish blotches when young. Dwarf Cavendish is prized by home growers for delivering standard supermarket-quality fruit on an easily housed plant.
Flavor Profile
Sweet, soft, creamy dessert banana flavor identical to standard Cavendish when fully ripe.
Visual Characteristics
Short pseudostem six to eight feet tall with broad leaves and full-sized bunches of yellow fruit.
Growing Tips
Ideal for containers and greenhouses; its short height resists wind and lets it be moved under cover in cold.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
Resistant to Panama disease Race 1, like other Cavendish types, but susceptible to Tropical Race 4.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.