Annona reticulata, Annona squamosa x cherimota
Family: Annonaceae

These semi-deciduous trees from tropical America have large, simple leaves, attractive fleshy flowers and delicious, edible fruit. They can grow to more than 5 m (16 ft) in height. The fruits may be irregularly heart-shaped or round and warty, sometimes weighing up to 2 kg (4½ lb). The rich, custard-like flesh, containing numerous, large, brown or black seeds, is a favourite food in the tropics.

Species

Annona reticulata, sugar apple or bullock's heart, is the common custard apple of tropical gardens. It has a reddish yellow to brownish red skin and each segment of the flesh contains one brown seed. The flesh is sweet, but grainy.

Annona squamosa x cherimola, Queensland custard apple, is sometimes known as 'African Pride'. This hybrid bears fruit in its third year, in autumn to early winter, and is slightly more tolerant of cool weather than some other types. Considered by many to be the best of the custard apples, it has fewer seeds and delicious flesh, free from the grainy texture of some of the other varieties. Cultivar 'Pink's Mammoth' does not bear fruit until about six years old, but it does produce larger, better quality fruit which continue into midwinter.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates Annona species are grown as foliage plants in an intermediate greenhouse, in large pots or tubs of soil-based potting compost. The following information applies to outdoor cultivation in mild, frost-free climates. Custard apple trees need deep, rich, alluvial, well-drained soil. They prefer a sheltered, warm aspect in areas with good rainfall. They are sensitive to cold, frost and extreme heat, which can damage new growth. Warm weather in spring and summer and cool winters are required for pollination and fruit set from mid-spring to late summer. Weed control is essential around young trees. Prune after the buds start to swell to build up a good framework. After about three years, only light pruning is necessary to encourage new fruiting wood and improve the shape of the trees.

They are propagated by grafting onto rootstocks of A. cherimola, which is resistant to Phytophthora soil fungus. Plant trees 4 m (13 ft) apart within the row, with 4-6 m (13-20 ft) between rows. By running the rows from north to south the plants will receive the maximum light; if planted on undulating ground they should be planted on the contour. The fruit takes about six months to mature. Clip off the fruit, retaining a small stem on the fruit, when the skin turns a greenish cream colour. It will take only a few days to ripen, ready for eating. Custard apple trees are long lived, and can produce fruit till over 30 years of age.

Climate

Zone 10. A dry, rather than humid, climate is preferred.