Plantains, hybrid bananas lacking male flowering parts, are enjoyed as a staple food source in South America and some parts of Africa. Plantains require warmth to grow, with growth stopping completely at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A year-round mild climate is suitable for plantains, though they do best in tropical temperatures and may need protection from the cold. Plantain plants can grow up to 25 feet tall, and the large, attractive leaves reach up to 2 feet wide and 9 feet long. The plants thrive in almost any ...