{"product_id":"ice-cream-keiki","title":"Ice Cream Keiki","description":"\u003ch3\u003eLOCAL PICKUP + LOCAL DELIVERY ONLY\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMedium-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat to Know Before You Grow\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProp your bunches. \u003c\/strong\u003eIce 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatch for BBTV. \u003c\/strong\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeed generously. \u003c\/strong\u003eBananas are heavy feeders. A high-nitrogen fertilizer applied regularly through the growing season will push this plant to its full potential.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull sun, moist soil. \u003c\/strong\u003ePlant in a warm, sheltered spot with rich, well-draining soil. Water consistently — never waterlogged, never bone dry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Hawaiʻi Banana Source","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43729241243783,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0563\/3330\/3943\/files\/ICC.png?v=1771713885","url":"https:\/\/hawaiibananasource.com\/products\/ice-cream-keiki","provider":"Hawaiʻi Banana Source","version":"1.0","type":"link"}