Images Courtesy Tali Burke

What varieties can I grow?

Ducasse, Dwarf Ducasse, Pisang Ceylan, Blue Java, Bluggoe, and Goldfinger are permitted in all areas of Queensland.  Ladyfinger are permitted in the Southern Zones only

How many can I have?

A maximum of 10 plants are allowed per non-commercial property.

Why can’t I grow Cavendish (Williams)?

Because the DPI want to protect Australia’s multi million dollar banana industry from outbreaks of disease. And backyard plantings of Cavendish have the potential for lots of different diseases which can be very easily spread via air-borne or soil-borne spores. Tissue cultured banana plants were created in sterile laboratories and grown- on in soil free potting mix (it may look very much like dirt but it is not.)

Why can’t I just dig a sucker out of a friend’s garden? 

For a start, you may be contravening DPI&F regulations regarding the removal and movement of banana plant material if you have not obtained a permit and you can be fined. Also the plant may be diseased and you may then introduce the disease to your garden.  If you follow our guidelines and nurture a sucker or two for the following year, you should get a FREE plant every year for the next 5-7 years!

How does the plant come to me? 

The plants are sun-hardened, in 120mm forestry tubes and approximately 300mm – 900mm tall.  We send them via Australia Post in postal tubes.

How do I obtain a permit?

Refer to the Pest Quarantine Area map for your area.  A permit is no longer required if you reside in the Northern Pest Quarantine Area (from just south of Cooktown to just north of St Lawrence and west to the Burdekin River).   

A PERMIT IS REQUIRED IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE OF THIS ZONE.   Contact the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on  132523 The process is very simple and the permit is FREE.

Check your zone - Click to enlarge