Banana Punch

Also known as: Banana 9

Breeder: Symbiotic Genetics (The Village & Budologist, Sacramento, CA)

Lineage & Genetics

Cross: Banana OG x Purple Punch

Banana OG (Ghost OG x Sagarmatha's 60/40 Banana phenotype) is a heavy indica contributing the signature banana candy terpene nose, substantial THC production, and OG Kush backbone structure. Its dominant terpenes are myrcene (~38% of total terps) and limonene (~18%). Purple Punch (Larry OG x Granddaddy Purple, Symbiotic Genetics) is an indica-dominant hybrid contributing berry/grape terpene complexity, dense bud structure, rich purple coloration (anthocyanin genetics), and sedative body effects.

Terpene Profile

Aroma: Sweet artificial banana candy and ripe banana as the primary note. Tropical pineapple and sweet/sour citrus secondary. Spicy berries, grape candy, and pine tertiary. The banana/tropical nose comes through consistently regardless of phenotype selection.

Flavor: Sweet tropical banana, pineapple, and citrus on inhale. Berry complexity, spicy pepper, and earthy undertones on exhale. Hazy, sweet aftertaste with berry notes.

Effects & Experience

Onset: Slow creeper — effects build gradually over 10-20 minutes

Happy, euphoric, creative cerebral lift initially, transitioning to progressive full-body relaxation and couch-lock at higher doses. A heavyweight strain for experienced consumers. Known to trigger significant munchies.

Duration: Long-lasting (2-4 hours reported)

Growing Characteristics

Grow Tips: Banana Punch is susceptible to botrytis (bud rot) — this is the primary vulnerability due to dense bud structure and heavy trichome coverage. Refined Genetics explicitly states it prefers dry areas. Prevention protocol: keep humidity at 40-50% during flower (never above 55% in final 4 weeks), maximize airflow with oscillating fans at canopy and base level, strategic defoliation to eliminate moisture-trapping dead spots, inspect daily during late flower, and use potassium bicarbonate spray during veg only as preventive. If growing outdoors, choose a dry Mediterranean climate and protect from rain during late flower. The strain is a medium-heavy feeder. In veg, use nitrogen-heavy base feed with Cal-Mag from week 2 onward — Banana Punch phenotypes are prone to Ca/Mg deficiency manifesting as interveinal chlorosis. In flower, switch to bloom fertilizer high in P and K. Peak flower EC: 1.8-2.2 in soil, 2.0-2.4 in coco. Organic compost teas or molasses at 5 mL/L can enhance terpene expression. pH targets: soil 6.0-6.5, coco/hydro 5.8-6.0. Flush thoroughly for final 1-2 weeks — essential for preserving the delicate tropical terpene profile. Training: topping is recommended during veg to create multiple colas. LST should start when main stem is pliable (~day 14-17), aiming for 6-8 bud sites at same height before flipping. SCROG is ideal for the bushy structure. Heavy colas will droop — use support systems to keep branches upright. Drying is critical for Banana Punch: hang whole branches in dark, well-ventilated space at 60-70°F, 45-55% RH, with gentle air circulation (never point fans directly at buds) for 7-14 days. Stems should snap cleanly, not bend. Cure in mason jars (60-70% capacity) with Boveda/Integra packs at 62% target — banana/tropical terpenes continue developing noticeably through 6-8 weeks of curing. The prolific brittle trichome coverage makes it a good hash strain — trichomes easily break off, ideal for dry sift, ice water hash, and rosin pressing. Drop nighttime temps below 65°F for final 2 weeks to trigger purple coloration. Terpene expression (banana/tropical nose) is notably consistent across phenotypes — less genetic lottery than many strains.

History & Origin

Symbiotic Genetics was founded in 2014 in Sacramento, CA as a collaboration between The Village and Budologist. Banana Punch was created using Symbiotic's Purple Punch F2 male stud crossed with a Banana OG mother, gaining market prominence in the late 2010s alongside other Punch-line varieties. Won 1st Place Sativa at The Karma Cup 2019. THC Design's phenotype was recognized as Leaflink's Best-Selling Flower in California (2019) and won Best Pre-Roll in California from both LA Weekly (2022) and Weedmaps (2023).

Notable Crosses

Strains bred using Banana Punch as a parent: