Introduction. A study was done to compare Gruesa, a local dwarf Cavendish selection, with two other cultivars of the Cavendish subgroup in the open air or under greenhouse conditions in two localities of the Canary Islands. Materials and methods. The trials were set up with the cultivars Zelig, Grande Naine and Gruesa in four plots on the northern slope: one outdoors and three under three different greenhouse covers (one with polyethylene lamina and the other two with different types of mesh), and in one outdoor plot on the southern slope of the island of Tenerife. Morphological, phenological and production characteristics were studied over three productive cycles. Results. Significant differences were found in both plant height (Grande Naine > Zelig > Gruesa) and pseudostem thickness (Gruesa > Grande Naine = Zelig). Each cultivar showed a stable [height:thickness] ratio, remaining the same in all trial conditions. Gruesa cycle length was longer than those of the other two cultivars, emitting more leaves until bunch emergency. Gruesa produced the most hands per bunch and the most fingers per hand. In all cultivars, finger length was directly related to pseudostem height. All three cultivars produced well, with fruits very similar in organoleptic traits. A reduction in cycle length and a slight increase in productivity were observed in the northern plot under the polyethylene cover compared with the plots under other covers and outdoors. Conclusion. Gruesa appears more recommendable than Zelig and Grande Naine for open-air plantations in windy localities.