Ice Cream Keiki

LOCAL PICKUP + LOCAL DELIVERY ONLY

Medium-large plants, 10-15ft tall, large bunch 30-60lbs, up to 80lbs in ideal conditions. Resistant to Black Sigatoka, moderately susceptible to BBTV. Stems are weak so propping bunches during fruiting is highly recommended. Medium size fruit, 4-5”, bluish when unripe, will ripen into soft, creamy, sweet fruit when fully yellow.

We call it Ice Cream, also known as Blue Java Banana. The fruit is creamy and sweet, with a richness that's often compared to vanilla ice cream. There's only one way to find out if it really tastes as good as they say... Before it even ripens, the bunch is a striking blue-green/aqua color that turns heads in the garden. The blue color is due to a sort of optical illusion, light bounces off of the banana peel and refracts back through a thick waxy coating.

What to Know Before You Grow

• Prop your bunches. Ice Cream stems are on the slender side for how heavy the fruit gets. Once a bunch sets, propping is strongly recommended. A simple stake prevents what would otherwise be a frustrating loss at harvest time.
• Watch for BBTV. This variety is moderately susceptible to Banana Bunchy Top Virus. Controlling aphids (the primary vector) and starting with clean planting stock — like what we ship — keeps the risk low.
• Feed generously. Bananas are heavy feeders. A high-nitrogen fertilizer applied regularly through the growing season will push this plant to its full potential.
• Full sun, moist soil. Plant in a warm, sheltered spot with rich, well-draining soil. Water consistently — never waterlogged, never bone dry.