Growing Guide: 'Annona' Fruit Trees
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Annona spp. (various species including A. squamosa, A. reticulata, A. muricata, A. glabra, A. cherimola) |
| Common Names | Sugar Apple, Red Custard Apple, Soursop, Pond Apple, Cherimoya, Annona |
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Origin | Tropical Americas (Caribbean, Central & South America) |
| Plant Type | Tropical/Subtropical Evergreen or Semi-Deciduous Fruit Tree/Shrub |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | Up to 35 ft. |
| Light | Full Sun, Part Shade (best fruit production with more sun) |
| Water Needs | Moderate to High (regular moisture; avoid waterlogging; deep watering during growing/fruiting seasons; reduced watering in winter dormancy) |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil |
| Bloom Time | Spring to Summer |
| Flower Color | Greenish-Yellow to Pale Green |
| USDA Zones | Outdoors 9–11 (with frost protection until established); Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Seed, Air-layering (our Annonas are grown from seed and air-layering and can fruit in 2–5 years) |
| Seasonal Traits | Semi-Deciduous in cooler temps; may defoliate below ~40°F; evergreen in deep tropics |
| Growth Rate | Fast to Medium |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Harvest Season | Late Summer – Fall |
| Time to Harvest | 2–5 Years (varies by species and growing conditions) |
| Notes | Annona (from Taíno annon) is a genus in the pawpaw/sugar apple family, Annonaceae. The name derives from anón, a Hispaniolan Taíno word for the fruit. Includes Sugar Apple, Red Custard Apple, Soursop, Cherimoya, and Pond Apple varieties. |
