Yucca Baccata Data Sheet

• Common names: Banana yucca, Datil yucca

• Latin name: Yucca Baccata

• Genus: Yucca

• Height: 2.2 m (7 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 6a

• Conservation status: Secure

Yucca Baccata is often referred to as the Banana yucca. The leaves are green with a blue tinge and grow up to 100cm long. This species flowers from the end of March to early July. The flowers are a creamy white colour with hints of purple. The flower stalk grows upright to a length of 120 - 150cm tall. Yucca Baccata is a small, slow growing plant with little or no trunk.

This species is native to the southeastern states of the U.S, covering Utah, Texas, California and Mexico. This yucca will tolerate freezing down to -23c.

Pregermination

These seeds need no pretreatment as such. Germination time can be reduced by soaking the black seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard shell prior to sowing. Once soaked, fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface; around 10 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Compost should be kept damp, not soaking wet or dried out. A temperature of between 60F and 70F is perfect for yucca germination. Place pots or trays on a cool to warm windowsill or in a cool conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks, depending on the soaking process, germination can take up to 8 weeks.

Post Germination

Keep seedlings in a bright, well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of damping off disease; a windowsill is ideal. Ensure they don't dry out or become waterlogged. These seedlings will quickly develop a large root system. They can be separated into 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside all year. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.