Original Strawberry Banana Cannabis Strain – Flavor, Effects & Growing Tips

Imagine a cannabis strain that smells like a fruity smoothie and delivers a blissful buzz – that’s the allure of the Original Strawberry Banana. This flavorful indica-leaning hybrid has become a favorite for its dessert-like taste and well-rounded effects. Developed by DNA Genetics (in collaboration with Serious Seeds) in the 2010s, Strawberry Banana quickly earned a reputation among both recreational users and growers. From its mouth-watering strawberry and banana aroma to its calming yet uplifting high, there’s a lot to love about this strain. In this post, we’ll explore what makes the Original Strawberry Banana cannabis strain so special – from its genetic origins and terpene-rich flavor to its effects and cultivation tips – and how you can enjoy similar strains from DNA Genetics’ lineup.

Origins and Genetic Background

Every great strain has an origin story. Strawberry Banana was originally bred as a collaboration between DNA Genetics and Serious Seeds. The breeders crossed Crockett’s Banana Kush (a strain famous for its banana aroma and potent indica effects) with a “Strawberry” phenotype of the classic Bubble Gum strain. Bubble Gum from Serious Seeds contributed a distinct sweet berry scent (hence the “strawberry” nickname for that select plant), while Banana Kush brought its tropical fruit flavor and strong potency.

The result of this Banana Kush x Strawberry Bubble Gum pairing is an indica-dominant hybrid (about 70% Indica, 30% Sativa) with a one-of-a-kind flavor and impressive resin production. In fact, Strawberry Banana’s lineage endowed it with heavy resin output and high THC levels, traits cherished by concentrate makers and those seeking powerful effects. Since its debut, the Original Strawberry Banana has won multiple cannabis awards and delighted enthusiasts worldwide. It’s essentially a DNA Genetics legend, blending the best characteristics of two beloved parent strains into one “fruity cocktail” of cannabis excellence.

Flavor, Aroma & Terpene Profile

True to its name, Strawberry Banana exudes a sweet, fruity flavor that’s often described as tasting like fresh strawberries and ripe bananas. The first whiff might remind you of a fruit smoothie or a bowl of strawberry-banana candy. On the inhale, users commonly report a smooth, creamy smoke with pronounced notes of strawberry and banana. The sweetness is rich but not overwhelming – akin to berry bubblegum with a touch of tropical tartness. As you exhale, you might notice a light creamy banana aftertaste that lingers on the palate.

Beyond the obvious fruit tones, there’s some complexity in this strain’s aroma. Thanks to its Kush heritage, Strawberry Banana also carries subtle spicy and earthy undertones. Some growers and connoisseurs detect an almost hash-like spice or peppery note underlying the candy-sweet scent​. This gives the bud a well-rounded fragrance: sweet and skunky at the same time. When you crack open a jar of Strawberry Banana, expect your nose to be greeted by what can only be described as a dessert-like bouquet with a hint of funk.

The terpene profile driving these flavors is quite robust. Lab tests and user reports indicate that myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene are among the dominant terpenes in Strawberry Banana​. Myrcene contributes to the strain’s sweet, fruity aroma and also adds a gentle earthiness. Caryophyllene is responsible for those peppery, spicy hints (and it’s also known for potential anti-inflammatory benefits). Limonene, as the name suggests, brings a citrusy kick – sometimes experienced as a faint lemon sweetness that elevates the overall flavor. Together, this rich terpene blend creates a mouth-watering terpene profile that delights the senses. If you have a sweet tooth, smoking Strawberry Banana is like treating yourself to a tropical fruit candy in cannabis form.

Effects & User Experience

The Original Strawberry Banana offers a balanced high that can please a wide range of users. Its effects often start with a gentle cerebral buzz – a euphoric uplift that can spark creativity, heighten sensory awareness, and put you in a happy, peaceful headspace​. Many fans of this strain love that initial burst of positivity; it’s great for enhancing music, art, or simply your mood. You might find yourself smiling for no reason as a wave of euphoria washes away stress and clears the mind. Some users even report mild motivation or focus at the onset, making it possible to enjoy Strawberry Banana during creative projects or social activities in its early phase.

As time goes on, the indica side of Strawberry Banana gently creeps in. The upbeat mental high transitions into a deep relaxation that spreads through the body. Don’t worry – it usually doesn’t slam you into the couch immediately. The strain’s body effects tend to come on slowly, easing you into a state of calm relaxation and physical comfort​. Tension and minor aches may melt away as your muscles unwind. Users often describe the end experience as blissful and tranquil, but still lucid – in other words, a functional relaxation. You’ll feel chilled-out and content, but not necessarily glued to the sofa unless you indulge heavily. This balanced profile (uplifting yet relaxing) makes Strawberry Banana a fine choice for late afternoon or evening when you want to unwind without complete sedation. It’s also a popular nighttime strain for those who want to ease into sleep gradually after enjoying a few hours of pleasant high.

Because Strawberry Banana can reach potent THC levels (often 20-25% or higher), its effects are strong – but many people find them very approachable. In moderate doses, it’s suitable for both new and experienced users, thanks to the strain’s gentle onset and cheerful nature. Beginners appreciate that it doesn’t cause an immediate overwhelming high, as long as they start slow. (Keep in mind the high can sneak up on you, so novice users should pace themselves and wait between puffs!) In large quantities, the intensity will amplify – heavy hits might lead to serious munchies and eventual drowsiness. Side effects are typically mild; dry mouth and red eyes are common, and overindulging could cause some anxiety in very sensitive users, but overall Strawberry Banana is well-liked for its smooth, comfortable high.

Medical effects: Beyond recreation, Strawberry Banana has some potential wellness benefits. Its uplifting mental effects can help melt away stress and anxiety, providing a calming sense of relief. The mood boost may be useful for those dealing with depression or low mood, as a little Strawberry Banana can put a smile on your face. As the body high settles in, it may also soothe chronic pain and muscle tension, making this strain a nice option for relief at the end of the day. Some medical users report that Strawberry Banana’s relaxing finish helps with insomnia, gently lulling them to sleep when used in higher doses. It might also stimulate appetite (hello, munchies!) which could benefit those with appetite loss or nausea. Of course, everyone’s body is different, but the strain’s combination of happy head high and soothing body buzz lends itself to a variety of therapeutic uses. Overall, Strawberry Banana produces a feel-good experience on both mental and physical levels – truly the “best of both worlds” from its hybrid heritage.

Growing Original Strawberry Banana

For growers, the Original Strawberry Banana is as rewarding to cultivate as it is to consume. This strain is relatively easy to grow, which is great news for beginners or anyone looking for a low-fuss cannabis plant. It has good resistance to common issues and tends to flourish without needing expert-level care. Whether you choose to grow indoors or outdoors, Strawberry Banana will happily adapt – it’s a vigorous plant that thrives in different environments. Naturally, providing a warm, sunny climate (or a well-tuned indoor setup) will maximize its potential, but this hybrid isn’t overly finicky.

Indoor growers: You can expect a flowering time of roughly 9 weeks (about 63 days) before Strawberry Banana is ready to harvest. The plants usually remain medium in height with a strong lateral branching structure typical of an indica. This bushy growth pattern means Strawberry Banana can develop a dense canopy of buds, so some light pruning or training (like SCRoG or LST) can help improve light penetration. The effort is well worth it – under optimal conditions, indoor yields are above average. Grow reports have seen up to ~550 grams per square meter with high-yield techniques​, which is quite generous. The buds themselves grow thick and resinous, often taking on a frosty white appearance from the abundance of trichomes. Late in bloom, you might even see vibrant colors as some phenotypes show flashes of purple amid the lime-green buds and bright orange pistils. And be warned: as harvest approaches, the aroma is very pungent – your grow room will smell like a candy factory (with a skunky twist), so make sure your filtration is on point!​

Outdoor growers: Strawberry Banana can do exceptionally well outdoors given the right conditions. Plant it in fertile soil with plenty of sunlight, and this hybrid can turn into a real fruit-bearing bush. In the Northern Hemisphere, plan to harvest around early October (since that aligns with the ~9-week flowering after the late summer bloom). Yields per plant can be quite large outdoors – the plant’s natural vigor and branching allow for lots of bud sites. Just watch out for humidity or rain late in the season; those dense, trichome-coated buds could be susceptible to mold if they stay wet for too long. Overall, whether indoors or out, cultivating Strawberry Banana is a straightforward and rewarding experience​. Even growers with limited experience can achieve excellent results, while seasoned growers can really push this strain to its full potential. With its hardy growth, bountiful yields, and amazing terpene output, it’s easy to see why Strawberry Banana is a staple in many gardens.

Related DNA Genetics Strains to Try

Sadly, the Original Strawberry Banana seeds aren’t available for sale on the DNA Genetics website at the moment. But don’t worry – DNA Genetics has other fantastic strains that capture a similar fruity magic. If reading about Strawberry Banana has your mouth watering, you might want to check out these related strains (all bred from the same flavorful lineage) which are available in our catalog:

Strawberry Banana S1 – A selfed version of the original Strawberry Banana. Strawberry Banana S1 was created by self-pollinating the original clone, preserving those legendary genes for future grows. It delivers the same sweet strawberry-banana flavor and resin production as the original, in a stable feminized seed form. If you want as close to the classic experience as possible, this strain is your go-to choice – expect mouth-watering buds and a potent, happy high very similar to Original Strawberry Banana.

Strawberry Banana Fem Cannabis Seeds

Strawberry Banana Fem Cannabis Seeds

	Original Strawberry Banana x Strawberry Banana
	Indica-dominant Cannabis
	9–10 Weeks
	16–19 oz./m2
	Feminized Cannabis Seeds

Buy Strawberry Banana Fem Cannabis Seeds

Double Dipped Strawberries – An indica-dominant hybrid that doubles down on dessert-like flavors. Double Dipped Strawberries is a unique cross between the Original Strawberry Banana and Honey Banana, marrying two fruity favorites. The result is an ultra-sweet strain with notes of **strawberry, banana, **and even a hint of honey-like richness. Its effects are powerful and relaxing – think deep body comfort paired with a euphoric head high. For those who loved Strawberry Banana’s flavor profile, this strain takes it to the next level with an extra tropical twist and knockout potency.

Honey Banana S1 – A close relative in the Banana family, Honey Banana S1 offers a slightly different take on fruity bliss. Bred from the Honey Banana lineage (another DNA favorite), this strain leans into creamy banana and sweet syrupy flavors. It’s extremely resinous and shares the indica-leaning effects seen in Strawberry Banana – providing relaxation, happiness, and stress relief in equal measure. Honey Banana S1 is a great pick for growers who want hardy plants and bountiful yields of flavorful bud. It’s an excellent alternative for those seeking banana sweetness with a touch of honey depth.

Each of these DNA Genetics strains carries a piece of what makes Original Strawberry Banana special – be it the flavor, aroma, or soothing effects. They’re definitely worth exploring if you’re looking to taste the rainbow of fruity cannabis that our genetics have to offer.

Enjoy the Sweet Rewards of Strawberry Banana

The Original Strawberry Banana lives up to its name with sugary flavors, balanced effects, and grower-friendly traits. While the original may be legendary, you can still experience its magic through DNA Genetics’ related strains. Each puff delivers fruity relaxation that appeals to both recreational and medical users.Curious to try it for yourself? Explore our catalog of fruity strains and enjoy exclusive perks through our DNA Points loyalty program and Seed Vault Club. Happy growing – and enjoy the sweet, smooth ride that Strawberry Banana-inspired genetics have to offer.