Banana Plant - Nendran

The Nendran Banana Plant (also called Ethapazham or Kerala Banana) is one of South India’s most iconic banana varieties. Known for its large, thick-skinned fruits with firm and mildly sweet pulp, Nendran is widely used for cooking, making banana chips, and desserts.

This variety produces tall, sturdy plants that thrive in humid, tropical climates — especially in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and coastal regions. The fruits can be eaten raw (as plantain) or ripe (as dessert bananas), making it one of the most versatile and profitable banana types.

Nendran bananas are also rich in potassium, fiber, and natural energy, making them a popular choice for healthy diets and traditional recipes. The plant grows well under full sunlight and yields within 12–14 months.

📏 Specifications

• Common Name: Nendran Banana / Kerala Banana / Plantain

• Botanical Name: Musa paradisiaca (Nendran variety)

• Plant Type: Perennial fruit-bearing plant

• Fruit Size: Large (20–25 cm long)

• Fruit Color: Green (raw), yellow-golden (ripe)

• Fruit Taste: Mildly sweet (raw), rich and aromatic (ripe)

• Height: 8–12 feet (mature plant)

• Sunlight: Full sunlight (6–8 hrs daily)

• Watering: Regular; soil should stay moist but not waterlogged

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with compost or manure

• Temperature: 20°C – 35°C

• Time to Harvest: 12–14 months

• Maintenance: Moderate

🌼 Applications / Uses

✅ Perfect for banana chips, desserts & traditional Kerala recipes
✅ Great for home gardens, terrace gardens & large farms
✅ Ideal for organic vegetable and fruit production
✅ Excellent for commercial cultivation
✅ Adds lush, tropical beauty to gardens

🌟 Key Highlights (USPs)

✔ Premium banana variety used across South India
✔ Dual-purpose – for both cooking and ripe eating
✔ Strong, tall, and wind-resistant plant
✔ High-yielding and long-lasting crop
✔ Excellent for commercial and home-scale farming
✔ Rich in nutrition – potassium, fiber, and vitamins

❓ FAQs

Q1: What is Nendran Banana mainly used for?
It’s widely used for making chips, desserts, and traditional South Indian dishes.

Q2: How long does it take to harvest?
Usually, it takes around 12–14 months from planting to harvesting.

Q3: Can I grow it in my home garden?
Yes, it grows well in open soil or large grow bags with proper sunlight and water.

Q4: Is it different from normal bananas?
Yes, Nendran has thicker skin, firmer pulp, and is used for cooking as well as ripened eating.

Q5: Does it grow well outside Kerala?
Yes, it grows successfully in all warm and humid regions across India.