I'm growing both Blue Java (ice cream banana) and Manzano (apple banana). I kept mine in containers for the first few years. I kept mine in those huge containers they sell at Costco (one type looks like half a wine barrel). They are much happier now in the ground, but they take up a lot of space, so it's understandable to want to grow them in containers. The containers keep them smaller, and fewer new shoots sprout. Another benefit to container growing is you can move them around the yard according to weather and possibly keep their leaves.

Out of the 2 varieties I have, the Manzano likes our climate a bit more. They both get their top leaves burned in the summer (in full sun) and lose most leaves in coldest part of the year. I've heard good things about the Williams Hybrid variety and that it can handle our climate even better than both of these two.

As for potting mixture, I just used regular potting soil and mixed in a little perlite. They don't seem to have a acid/alkaline preference.

The two most reliable here would likely be Grand Nain and Raja Puri. I suspect "Shamus" will have his own suggestions.