ກ້ວຍນ້ຳ / Kluai Nam Wa

Propagation technique: 
There are two methods used to cultivate bananas: 
1. Tissue culture
Tissue culture is used to increase the number of seedlings quickly and is a popular method, especially for farmers or companies that need a large number of rhizomes.
2. Separation of shoots or rhizomes
Separation of shoots or rhizomes is the traditional method used since ancient times and is currently popular with farmers. They may buy varieties of rhizomes from other farmers or dig the rhizomes from their own crops to grow on as new clumps.
Planting of banana
Bananas are easy to grow. They thrive in all soil conditions, but do best in loam with organic matter, high humidity, and good drainage. They do not like waterlogged soil. The first fruits will be produced 8–10 months after planting. Thereafter the clump will re-sprout and grow to produce the whole year round.
Preparation of plots and planting holes
– The area for planting should be weed-free and dry for 1–2 weeks before planting.
– Align and dig holes in a block at a planting distance of 4 m or more. If planted closer together the mature leaves will clash together in the second year onwards.
– Planting holes should be 50 × 50 × 50 cm.
– Apply 2–3 kg of manure per hole or urea fertilizer at the rate of 50–100 g/hole and adjust the soil to fill about half of the hole
– Mix the soil and fertilizer together.
Planting
Place the rhizome into the planting hole and fill in with soil to 10 cm below the surface for water and feed retention.
Aftercare
Watering
In general, rainwater is sufficient, but if the area is dry and access to an irrigation systems is available, farmers may pump water into plots periodically, especially during the dry season.
Feeding is divided into three phases:
1. Preparation of planting holes: Use a foundation of 2–3 kg of manure/hole or urea fertilizer 50–100 g/hole (about 1–2 handfuls)
2. About 1–3 months after planting, apply 2–3 kg of manure or compost at the base of each plant, together with a chemical fertilizer (formula 15-15-15) at 100–200 g/hole
3. At 5–7 months after planting, apply chemical fertilizer (formula 12-24-24) at the rate of 100–200 g/hole by spreading around the clump.
Cutting and shoots
Banana plants are propagated by cutting off sections of rhizome from a vigorous clump. Select a shoot (sucker) that is about 1 m tall with spear-shaped leaves. Cut downwards, removing a healthy section of rhizome including roots. Cut off the largest leaves and remove any damaged or diseased tissue.