Mysore Banana Grow Guide

A rack of Mysore bananas with several ripe and unripe hands
Image Credit: New Jungle Hawaii

If you’re looking for a bulletproof banana, look no further than the Mysore.

With excellent production, great disease resistance, a unique flavor profile, and impressive cold tolerance… what more could you ask for?! 🤷‍♂️

That said, this grow guide will cover everything you need to know about the Mysore Banana:

Table of Contents

Mysore Banana Tree Characteristics & Fruit Production

Mysore Bananas are medium to large-sized banana trees that usually average between 12 – 16 feet tall. As a result, Mysore would not do well long-term in containers and would NOT be considered a “condo” banana.

Because the Mysore is a towering and vigorous banana tree, it lacks sturdiness and often needs to be propped up. In other words, the Mysore is highly susceptible to wind blowdown and should not be planted in areas that experience even mild to moderate winds.

A Mysore Banana Tree Leaf with a striking red petiole
Image Credit: Tropica Mango Nursery

That said, the Mysore Banana does bring significant ornamental value to the landscape.

While its leaves lack the striking wine-colored markings seen in some varieties, the Mysore’s pseudostem displays a pinkish-purple hue, accented by red petioles. Additionally, the undersides of the leaves feature distinctive pinkish-purple undertones with a waxy coating, particularly noticeable on newly emerged foliage.

Random Thought: I believe the pinkish-purple hues of the Mysore would create a stunning contrast when planted alongside a Blue Java, with its fruit displaying a bluish tint! 😍

The Mysore is a Musa acuminata x balbisiana hybrid belonging to the Mysore Subgroup and features a triploid (AAB) genome structure. Other triploid (AAB) banana cultivars include, but are not limited to:

Why does banana chromosomal count even matter? Glad you asked! 😜

A Mysore Banana Tree in bloom
Image Credit: Sulcata Grove

In layman’s terms, the sweetness and softness of a banana’s texture increase with a higher concentration of ‘A’ chromosomes inherited from Musa acuminata. Conversely, a greater proportion of ‘B’ chromosomes from Musa balbisiana enhances the banana’s resilience, improving its cold tolerance and resistance to diseases.

The Mysore Banana’s extra ‘A’ chromosomes contribute to its distinctly delicious and creamy flavor—but more on that shortly! 😉

Interestingly, despite the inherent lack of ‘B’ chromosomes, the Mysore Banana exhibits excellent resistance to environmental stressors like drought and disease (just not wind, lol). Similarly, the Mysore also boasts good cold tolerance.

A immature and unripe green rack of Mysore Bananas still on the tree
Image Credit: New Jungle Hawaii

Finally, when grown under optimal conditions, Mysore’s fruit production consistently ranges from good to heavy.

Fun Fact #1: In India, the Mysore Banana holds a significant place as a staple dessert fruit, making it one of the most commercially grown varieties in Southern India.

Therefore, if fruit production is a top priority for you, it’s hard to beat the Mysore’s ability to produce massive bunches of bananas!

As a result, I believe the Mysore Banana is a must-have for any home landscape.

A large rack of Mysore Bananas hanging 10-15 feet in the air
Image Credit: Team Zissou

Mysore Banana Flavor Profile

The Mysore Banana stands out with its uniquely short, plump shape, leaning towards the smaller side compared to other varieties. Interestingly, the individual fruits do not come off the hand easily.

One thing I’ve always noticed about the Mysore Banana is its delicate, thinner skin—much thinner than that of the Cavendishwhich makes it more prone to bruising. When bruised, the fruit can develop sour flavor pockets that are quite unpleasant, so handle it carefully to avoid damage!

Unlike some varieties, such as the Manzano, which are best enjoyed when fully ripe for peak flavor, Mysore Bananas reach their prime when the peel develops a few brown specks, signaling perfect ripeness.

When perfectly ripened, the Mysore Banana’s semi-firm texture is a delightful mix of soft and creamy. Its ivory-to-off-peach flesh has a slightly chewy quality, making it incredibly enjoyable. However, catching them under-ripe might deliver a mildly chalky or mealy feel—not as unpleasant as unripe Manzano Bananas, but still noticeable.

A box full of green, unripe Mysore Bananas
Image Credit: Miami Fruit

Upon peeling, the Mysore Banana emits a berry-like aroma that carries over into its flavor.

The taste features a distinct tartness, tanginess, and sub-acid component that intensifies as the fruit ripens, creating a pronounced berry flavor. Specifically, the flavor resembles a perfectly tart and sweet raspberry with subtle hints of apple.

A rack of Mysore Bananas that has begun ripening off the tree
Image Credit: Sulcata Grove

In fact, I often call the Mysore the “Berry Banana” because it has some of the strongest berry tones of any banana I’ve sampled, while my wife refers to them as “Starburst Bananas” (a nod to the candy). Interestingly, despite its strong berry notes, the Mysore lacks a prominent banana flavor.

And while the Mysore Banana is sweet, it doesn’t have an overly sugary profile, which I personally appreciate.

A fully ripened rack of Mysore Bananas
Image Credit: Per Evensen

Compared to other bananas that I’ve sampled, the Mysore is less sugary than the Cavendish and offers a sharper tanginess than the Dwarf Brazilian.

Additionally, the Mysore Banana shares a flavor resemblance with Pisang Ceylon and Raja Puri. However, I’ve found that Pisang Ceylon sometimes delivers not only a slightly stronger berry punch but also a noticeably larger fruit size.

A hand of Mysore Bananas in various stages of ripeness
Image Credit: Bananarama Cottage

Fun Fact #2 : Pisang Ceylon is a type of Mysore Banana and is regarded by many expert banana connoisseurs as their favorite tasting variety, thanks in part to its fruity, tropical flavors. It’s also known as “Improved Mysore” due to its slightly stronger pseudostem.

Overall, the Mysore Banana is one of the best dessert bananas out there.

Their perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and creamy texture makes them an excellent choice for snacking or desserts. Personally, the Mysore ranks right up there with Manzano, Nam Wah, and Gold Finger as some of my favorites. I could honestly eat them every day! 🤤

A single perfectly ripe Mysore Banana
Image Credit: Luxury Fruit Connect

Mysore Banana Disease Resistance

Despite its triploid (AAB) genome structure, the Mysore Banana boasts excellent disease resistance.

More specifically, Mysore shows strong resistance to both Panama Disease and Sigatoka Disease.

Several racks of Mysore Bananas that are in various stages of ripeness
Image Credit: Miami Fruit

Mysore Banana Tree For Sale (Where To Find)

Tropical Tree Guide has proudly partnered with Montura Gardens, a family-owned nursery in Clewiston, Florida, to bring you premium, grafted tropical fruit trees—delivered FREE to your doorstep! With Montura Gardens’ exceptional quality and service, we’re making it easier than ever to grow flourishing tropical trees right in your backyard.

For more information, please check out our Tropical Fruit Trees For Sale Page.

Conclusion

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If you have any questions regarding anything mentioned in this grow guide, please comment them below! This way, others can also benefit from the answer to the same question. For any other questions or growing tips that you think may be helpful, feel free to use the contact form and drop me a line.

Thank you for reading! 🙂

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Matthew Rowlings

I have a degree in Biology from the University of Florida and am also an Active Florida Master Gardener. I am located in Central Florida (Zone 10A) and have 7+ years of experience with growing, propagating, and grafting 20+ types of tropical fruit trees on my 0.15 acre suburban lot. You can learn more about me and why I started Tropical Tree Guide on my about page.

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