Banana Production: Exploring Different Varieties of Bananas

Exploring Banana Diversity at Jessie’s Sunshine Farm

At Jessie’s Sunshine Farm, we pride ourselves on cultivating a diverse range of banana species, contributing to the agricultural richness often overlooked in the Western world, where the predominant varieties are Dole and Chiquita. Contrary to this limited perspective, we cultivate five distinct species of bananas, each offering unique characteristics and flavors.

We currently nurture the following banana species:

  • Saba
  • Tindok
  • Latundan
  • Lakatan
  • Morado
  • Senoritas
  • Bulcan

As of January 2025, our farm hosts approximately two hundred plants across these five species, with plans for further expansion.

Sourcing and Planting Techniques

Our journey began with the acquisition of Saba bananas from Jerry Baricuatro’s farm in Bismartz. Upon receiving these seedlings, we meticulously cleaned them, loaded them onto trucks, and planted them in our Chapel Section. We also received Latundan from our neighbor, Maria Flor Abellanosa, further enriching our farm’s diversity.

To ensure optimal growth, we employ stringent planting techniques:

• Seedlings are dipped in Clorox to eliminate bacteria.
• Insecticide is added to the planting hole before inserting the seedling.
• A layer of soil is placed over the insecticide to protect the roots.
We prioritize hygiene by sanitizing our tools, such as the bolo blade, before moving between trees to prevent cross-contamination.

Lessons Learned in Agriculture

Initially, we received misleading advice about cutting roots and mixing them with vermicast, which led to significant plant loss due to the acidity of the vermicast. This experience underscored the importance of education in farming practices, highlighting that learning from mistakes is an integral part of agricultural development.

Farm Layout and Sustainability

The layout of Jessie’s Sunshine Farm is designed to maximize productivity and sustainability. We plant two rows of coconut trees (Catigan dwarf, Tacunan dwarf, and Catigan hybrid) flanking a central row of bananas, with Robusta coffee planted on either side. This arrangement provides shade for the coffee plants and generates organic material for vermicast, alongside food sources for our animals.

Future Prospects

Our Saba bananas will serve multiple purposes, including feeding our pigs and dogs while also supplying the local markets in Don Carlos and Kadingilan. Additionally, banana peels are repurposed as feed for our goats, poultry, and fish, exemplifying our commitment to resource efficiency.


At Jessie’s Sunshine Farm, we invite you to follow our journey as we continue to learn and grow in the world of sustainable agriculture. Join us in exploring the diverse and delicious possibilities that banana cultivation offers.