The optimal density is a function of cultivar type, climatic conditions that influence water availability, soil fertility levels, and interactions among these factors. Farmers must learn which varieties perform best for them and what spacing they require. For example, research in Rwanda found that under lower rainfall (<1,000 mm), yields attained a maximum at 3,333 plants ha−1 for cooking cultivars “Injagi” and at 4,444 plants ha−1 for “Ingaju”. Under higher rainfall (>1,000 mm), the yields of these cooking cultivars increase beyond stand densities 5,000 plants ha-1.

Different types of planting systems exist that align with specific farm conditions and production objectives. Small-scale farmers mostly adopt the square system where plants are positioned at each corner with a spacing of 2 x 2 m or 3 x 3 m. In a triangular system, the plants in alternate rows are positioned in the middle of the square instead of the corner. In a single row system, plants are closely spaced within the line (0.5 - 0.8 m), whereas the distance between the row is wide (1.8 - 2 m). In a paired or double row system, two lines of bananas are planted at 0.9 to 1.2 m with plants located at equal level, and paired rows are spaced at 2 to 2.5 m. On fields with very steep slopes a contour system is best used where plants are grown in lines of equal height using pits and plants in alternating lines should be staggered to minimize soil erosion. During early establishment the use of herbicides may be required to control weeds, with systemic contact herbicides such as glyphosate performing best.

Plant density is often expressed as the number of mats per hectare, with a mat consisting of a mother plant and its suckers of younger generations. To determine the average spacing between mats, the distance of the mother plant in one mat and that of four closest mats is measured. “Earthing-up” of the stem base and additional support of mature bunches is required in areas prone to strong winds. Herbicide must be applied before the weeds start producing seeds and should not be sprayed on the banana plants themselves, intercrop, or naked soil. Contact herbicides can be used at the beginning of a production cycle and may need to be reapplied for controlling perennial grass. Systemic herbicides are recommended for established plantations. Operators can target which plants to remove and which to maintain favoring the establishment of a natural plant cover. Mechanical weeding is possible in double row plantations with larger alleys that allow rotavators to pass without damaging stems. Under such management it is important to use lighter attachments to avoid soil compaction. Using optimal plant density, increased water use efficiency and can reduce irrigation requirements by 30-40%, and result in 25% higher nutrient uptake from fertilizers. High density planting makes stands less vulnerable to damage from wind but can result in accelerated pest and disease accumulation.