Sugar apples (Annona squamosa) are the fruit of one of the most commonly grown Annona trees. Depending upon where you find them, they go by a plethora of names, amongst them include sweetsop, custard apple and the apropos scaly custard apple. The sugar apple tree varies in height from 10-20 feet (3-6 m.) with an open habit of irregular, zigzagging twigs. Foliage is alternate, dull green on top and pale green on the underside. Crushed leaves have an aromatic scent, as do the fragrant flowers which may be single or in clusters of 2-4. They are yellow-green with a pale yellow interior borne off of long drooping stalks. Fruit of sugar apple trees is as about 2 ½ to 4 inches (6-10 cm.) long. Each fruit segment typically contains a ½-inch (1 cm.) long black to dark brown seed, of which there may be up to 40 per sugar apple. Most sugar apples have green skins, but a dark red variety is attaining some popularity. Fruit ripens 3-4 months after flowering in the spring.
Sugar Apple Care
Annona Squamosa
It can be invasive on tropical islands.
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Lighting
Full Sun
Hardiness zone
min 10a
Difficulty
Medium
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Water the tree every week or whenever the soil starts to dry out while the tree is actively growing. During the winter, water every two to four weeks to keep the soil from drying out completely.
Pruning
Prune about a third of last year’s growth away with hand pruners in early spring.
Fertilizer
Feed every six to eight weeks with water-soluble fertilize designed for fruit trees or 2-8-8 formula. Start feeding the fruit tree when it starts to grow in the spring. Stop fertilizing after the fruit is picked in the fall.
Soil
Prefers a moist but well-drained, sandy loam with a pH around 6. Also succeeds on rocky, alkaline soils with a pH up to 8
Temperature
The temperature range for the best growth is from 73 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit. If locating the tree in a heated greenhouse, keep a close eye on the heat and cool the greenhouse with a large fan.
Additional
The seeds, leaves and roots are poisonous. Both an alkaloid, and hydrocyanic acid have been shown to occur in these parts of the plant.
Popularity
1,215 people already have this plant 166 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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