Wakefield man grows bananas in back garden

Dave’s garden also includes a Chinese rice-paper plant, a Japanese acer, cordylines and tree fern.

Pointing at his flowering banana plant, he warned, however, they were “not properly edible bananas like you get in supermarkets”.

He said: “That flower will keep on extending through its life – hopefully we’ll get some more bananas.”

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) most bananas won’t flower or fruit outdoors in the UK, although some may do so in a heated greenhouse or conservatory.

However, the RHS said in very mild parts of the UK and during particularly long, hot summers, it was possible for them to get flowers outdoors.

Their leaves can grow up to two metres (6.5ft) in length and mature plants can grow to three metres (10ft) tall or more.

Dave said he had “always been interested in gardening” and watching gardening programmes – but admitted he was no expert.

“A tropical vibe is really what I’m going for.

“Every morning when you look out of your door and it’s like being in a different country – it’s a really nice feeling, makes me feel calm,” he added.