Musa FHIA-3 Sweetheart Banana

The FHIA is a federal organization of the Honduras Government that has been breeding bananas for decades, hence the name of this cultivar: Musa FHIA-3 Sweetheart banana.

The first widely available cultivar by FHIA was  Musa hybrid FHIA-1 'Goldfinger'. Musa hybrid FHIA-3 'Sweetheart' was bred and selected for increased disease resistance and yield vs FHIA-1.

It has an excellent flavor and good size which make it attractive to the home gardener. It has also been described as similar as 'Goldfinger' or 'Orinoco'.

It is very tolerant of sub-standard growing conditions, especially poor quality soils. The fruit ripen very quickly after picking so they should be left on the stalk until almost needed. Just harvest one hand at a time. It has a reputation for drought and wind resistance.

Where to buy:

https://wellspringgardens.com/products/sweetheart-banana

References:

http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Musa_FHIA-3_Sweetheart

The Banana Circle - permaculture in South Florida

"David The Good's friend Cathy created a sweet permaculture-inspired banana circle alongside her house. Learn to use microclimates, compost in place, use rainwater and grow bunches of bananas - even where it freezes - by creating your own banana circle."

Banana Circle - an example of permaculture design for the tropics

Bananas are very hungry plants and will thrive off the abundant cycling of organic material as well as the moisture inherent in its design.

See the instructions here:

https://treeyopermacultureedu.wordpress.com/chapter-10-the-humid-tropics/banana-circle/

There is more information here:

https://treeyopermacultureedu.wordpress.com/chapter-10-the-humid-tropics