Last updated on July 23, 2025

Plantain farming in Nigeria is a staple in our kitchens and a goldmine for farmers who get the timing right. If you’re thinking about starting a farm or just want to know how long does plantain take to grow in Nigeria, you’re in the right place. I’ve been through the ups and downs of this crop, and I’m here to give you the real answers—no fluff, just what works.

Quick Answer: How Long Does Plantain Take to Grow in Nigeria?

Most plantain varieties in Nigeria take 8 to 12 months from planting to harvest. That’s the honest truth about the plantain maturity period. Some improved hybrids can be ready in as little as 7 months if you do everything right, but for most farmers, planning for a 10 to 12-month plantain growth cycle is the safest bet.

What makes the difference? The variety you plant, the quality of your soil, how much rain (or plantain irrigation) your farm gets, and how well you manage your crop. I’ve seen plantains mature in just under 8 months on a well-managed, irrigated plot with hybrid plantain sucker. On the flip side, I’ve also watched bunches take over a year when the rains were late or the soil was poor.

Plantain farming tips: If you’re new, start with a small plot and track your planting and harvest dates. This helps you learn your local conditions and improve each season.

Want a step-by-step guide to starting your own farm? Read our complete guide to plantain farming in Nigeria.

Direct Timeline for Plantain Maturity in Nigeria

• Most varieties: 8–12 months from planting to harvest
• Fast-maturing hybrids: 7–9 months (with good management)
• From flowering to harvest: 2–3 months after the plantain flowers

Key Factors That Affect Plantain Growth Duration

• Variety: Local types like Agbagba usually take longer. Hybrids like PITA and FHIA are bred to mature faster.
• Soil: Rich, loamy, well-drained soil speeds things up. Heavy clay or waterlogged ground will slow your crop down.
• Rainfall/Irrigation: Plantains need plenty of water, especially in the first six months. If the rains fail or you can’t irrigate, expect delays.
• Farm Management: Regular weeding, mulching, and timely plantain fertilizer can shave weeks off your harvest time.

I once tried to “save money” by skipping fertilizer on a new plot. The result? My plantains took almost 14 months to mature, and the bunches were small. Lesson learned: invest in your soil.

Understanding the Plantain Growth Cycle in Nigeria

Plantain growth stages are crucial if you want a big, healthy bunch at the end. Here’s what to expect:

From Sucker to Harvest: The 4 Main Stages

1. Sucker Establishment (0–2 months): This is when you plant your plantain sucker. The roots get established, and the plant starts to settle in. If you use a healthy, disease-free sword sucker, you’re off to a strong start.Tip: Always select sword suckers over water suckers. Sword suckers have narrow, pointed leaves and grow faster.
2. Vegetative Growth (2–6 months): The plantain puts out new leaves and builds up its “pseudo-stem.” This is when the plant is bulking up, getting ready for the big show.How to make plantain grow faster: Apply organic manure or compost at this stage. Keep weeds away so your plantain doesn’t compete for nutrients.
3. Flowering and Fruit Development (6–9 months): The flower stalk emerges, and you’ll see the beginnings of your plantain bunch. The plant puts all its energy into developing those fruits.Watch for: The flower bud (inflorescence) will appear at the top of the plant. This is a good time to add potassium-rich fertilizer to help fruit development.
4. Fruit Filling and Maturation (9–12 months): The plantain fingers swell and fill out. The bunch gets heavier, and the plant starts to show signs it’s nearly ready for harvest.Tip: Keep the area mulched and watered. Remove any dead leaves to reduce disease risk.

I remember my first season—I checked my plants every week, waiting for that flower stalk to appear. When it finally did, it felt like winning the lottery. But I also learned that patience pays off; rushing to harvest too early means you lose both size and taste.

How Long Does It Take for a Plantain Fruit to Mature After Flowering?

Once your plantain plant flowers, you’re about 2 to 3 months away from harvest. Watch for the fruits to fill out and the bracts (those purple-red covers) to lift. That’s your sign that harvest is just around the corner.

How to know when plantain is ready for harvest:

• Check the size and shape of the plantain fingers. They should be plump and rounded, not angular.
• The bracts will start to lift and fall off as the fruit matures.
• Lower leaves on the plant will begin to yellow and dry out.

Plantain Farming Calculator

Looking to estimate your plantain harvest dates, potential yield, and even get a basic financial outlook? Use our interactive calculator below to get a clearer picture for your farm.

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What Influences How Fast Plantain Grows in Nigeria?

Not all plantain farms are created equal. Here’s what really makes a difference in your plantain yield per acre and how quickly you reach the plantain harvest time:

Soil, Water, and Climate: What Matters Most

• Soil: Loamy, well-drained soil is best. If your soil is sandy or heavy clay, add plenty of organic matter or compost. How-To: Dig a hole and fill it with water. If it drains within 30 minutes, your soil is likely well-drained. As experts at Kaspharyn Solutions note, "Plantain requires a well-drained fertile (loamy clay) soil that is not too sloppy and the land should be easily accessible."
• Water: Plantains are thirsty. They need about 1,500–2,500mm of rainfall a year. If you can’t count on the rain, invest in plantain irrigation. Tip: Use mulch (dry grass, leaves, or even black plastic) to keep soil moisture in. According to Kaspharyn Solutions, "Plantain requires sufficient water supply in form of rainfall (100mm – 166mm/month) or irrigation (50L/days/adult plant) to produce quality fruit. Lack of sufficient water during/before flowering stage has been found to affect quality of fingers."
• Temperature: Warmth is key. Plantains love temperatures between 26–30°C. Cold snaps or extreme heat can slow growth.
• Mulching: Covering the soil with dry leaves or straw helps keep moisture in and weeds out.Pro Tip: Mulch also keeps the soil cooler and adds nutrients as it breaks down.

Want to boost your yield? See the best fertilizer for plantains here.

Best Month to Plant Plantain in Nigeria

The best month to plant plantain in Nigeria is at the start of the rainy season. In the South, that’s usually April to June. In the North, aim for June. Planting at this time gives your suckers the moisture they need to establish strong roots before the dry season hits. If you have irrigation, you can plant year-round, but most small farmers still rely on the rains.

How-To:

• Prepare your land before the rains start.
• Plant as soon as the first steady rains arrive.
• If you’re late, make sure you can water your plants until they’re established.

Curious about the best months for other crops? Check out the best month to plant beans in Nigeria.

Which State is the Highest Producer of Plantain in Nigeria?

Southern states like Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Delta, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom are the top producers. These regions have the right mix of rainfall, soil, and tradition. If you’re farming in these areas, you’re in good company.

Idea: If you’re outside these states, don’t worry. With good irrigation and soil management, you can still get great results. It's worth noting that "Plantain (Musa spp.) occupies a strategic position for rapid food production in Nigeria. It is ranked third among starchy staples. The country's output doubled in the last 20 years," according to research on plantain cultivation in Nigeria. Source: ResearchGate

How to Make Plantain Grow Faster: Expert Tips

If you want to speed things up and get a bigger harvest, here’s what works:

Choosing the Right Variety and Suckers

• Always use disease-free, vigorous sword suckers. Avoid water suckers—they’re weak and slow. As Veggie Concept highlights, "The use of poor quality and diseased suckers is one of the challenges of plantain farming in Nigeria. It is common for plantain farmers to use uprooted plantain suckers when engaging in plantain farming, this is not advised."
• Consider fast-maturing hybrids like PITA or FHIA. They’re bred for speed and disease resistance.
• If you can, buy suckers from a reputable source or agricultural research institute.

How-To:

• Inspect suckers before planting. Healthy sword suckers have narrow, pointed leaves and a firm base.
• Treat suckers by dipping them in hot water (about 50°C for 20 minutes) or a mild fungicide before planting to kill pests and diseases.

Fertilizer, Watering, and Farm Management

• Apply organic manure or compost before planting, and top up with plantain fertilizer as recommended.
• Keep your plants well-watered, especially during dry spells.
• Weed regularly and use mulch to keep the soil moist and cool.
• Test your soil if you can—it’ll help you know exactly what nutrients your plants need.

How-To:

• Apply fertilizer in a ring around the base of the plant, not directly on the stem.
• Water deeply but less often, to encourage deep root growth.
• Remove dead leaves and keep the area clean to prevent pests.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down Plantain Growth

• Planting in poor or waterlogged soil.
• Using unhealthy or water suckers.
• Skipping weeding or letting pests and diseases take over.
• Not fertilizing or watering enough.

I once lost half a season’s crop to weevils because I didn’t check my suckers properly. Lesson learned: start with healthy planting material and stay on top of pests.

Extra Tip:

• Rotate your plantain with other crops like cassava or maize to reduce disease build-up in the soil.

Looking for more high-profit crops? See 17 best crops to grow in Nigeria for high profits.

Harvesting Plantain in Nigeria: Signs & Timing

Getting the timing right at harvest is just as important as planting on time.

How to Know When Plantain is Ready for Harvest

• The plantain fingers are full, rounded, and have lost their sharp edges.
• The color shifts from dark green to a lighter green.
• The bracts on the bunch start to lift, and the lower leaves of the plant dry out.

How-To:

• Use a sharp cutlass or knife to cut the bunch. Support the bunch as you cut to avoid bruising the fruits.
• Harvest in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat stress on the fruit.

If you harvest too early, the fruits will be small and starchy. Too late, and they may split or spoil on the plant.

How Many Times Does a Plantain Tree Bear Fruit?

Each plantain stem produces fruit once. After harvest, that stem is done, but new suckers will keep coming up from the base. With good management, a plantain mat can keep producing for 5–10 years.

Want to know about bananas too? Read: How many times does a banana tree bear fruit?

How Long Does Plantain Last After Harvest?

Green plantains can last 1–2 weeks at room temperature. To slow ripening, keep them in a cool, dry place. If you want to store them longer, consider processing them into chips or flour.

How-To:

• Don’t wash plantains before storage—moisture speeds up spoilage.
• Store in a single layer, not stacked, to avoid bruising.

Frequently Asked Questions: Plantain Growth Timing in Nigeria

Conclusion: Ready to Grow Your Own Plantain Success?

If you’ve ever wondered how long does plantain take to grow in Nigeria, you now have the real answer—and the tools to make your next harvest your best yet. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to scale up, remember: success comes from choosing the right variety, planting at the right time, and giving your crop the care it deserves.

Plantain farming in Nigeria is more than just a business—it’s a way to feed your family, boost your income, and build something lasting. Don’t wait for the “perfect” season. Start planning now, and you could be harvesting your own bunches in less than a year.

Ready to take the next step?

• Explore our complete guide to plantain farming in Nigeria.
• Curious about profits? See if plantain farming is profitable in Nigeria.
• Want to maximize your yield? Check the best fertilizer for plantains.

Don’t just read—take action. Your first (or next) plantain harvest could be the start of something big. If you have questions or want to share your own experience, drop a comment below. Let’s grow together!

Want to learn about other profitable crops or how to diversify your farm? Check out our guides on soybeans and tomatoes for more inspiration.

Now you know: How long does plantain take to grow in Nigeria? Start planning, get your hands dirty, and watch your farm—and your profits—grow. Happy farming!