Cherimoya (Annona cherimola)
Cherimoya, also called the Custard Apple, is one of the most celebrated tropical fruits in the world—so much so that Mark Twain famously called it “the most delicious fruit known to men.” Native to the Andean valleys of South America, this small, semi-deciduous tree produces large, heart-shaped green fruits with soft, custard-like white flesh. The flavor is a decadent blend of banana, pineapple, strawberry, and vanilla cream. Cherimoya is cherished for fresh eating but also used in smoothies, ice creams, and desserts. With its lush foliage and prized fruit, it’s a dream tree for rare fruit collectors and permaculture gardeners.
Why Grow Cherimoya?
- Produces large, sweet, custard-like fruits with a tropical, complex flavor
- Considered one of the best-tasting fruits in the world
- Beautiful tree with lush, semi-deciduous foliage
- Excellent addition to food forests, edible landscapes, and rare fruit collections
- High in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants
Growing Tips
Cherimoya thrives in full sun with protection from extreme heat and wind. Plant in rich, well-drained soil, and water regularly to keep soil evenly moist. It prefers mild subtropical climates (USDA Zones 9b–11) and is not frost-tolerant when young. In cooler climates, grow in a large container and overwinter indoors. Hand-pollination is often recommended for reliable fruit set, as natural pollinators may be limited outside its native range. Prune in late winter to shape the tree and encourage new growth. Grafted trees may produce fruit within 1-2 years, seedlings within 3-4 years.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Cherimoya has been cultivated in the Andean highlands for thousands of years, where it remains a cultural staple. The name chirimoya means “cold seeds” in Quechua, reflecting its ability to grow in cool, high-altitude valleys. Today, it’s prized worldwide for its luscious, creamy texture and complex flavor—often eaten with a spoon straight from the fruit, blended into smoothies, or made into custards, ice creams, and tropical desserts
Plant Type:
Tropical/Subtropical Evergreen or Semi-Deciduous Fruit Tree/Shrub
Harvest Season:
Late-Summer, Fall
Mature Size:
Up to 35 feet
Soil & Moisture:
Rich, well-drained soil with light acidity suit these warm-weather plants best. Provide regular moisture and humidity, but be careful not to over water. Annona's are intolerable to water-logging. Requires deep watering during growing/fruiting seasons and less during winter dormancy.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Overall, expect best fruit production with more sun
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast, Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 (frost protection until established); Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Annona's (especially Soursop) may defoliate during the winter in subtropical regions (40 degrees or lower), but remain evergreen in their native deep tropical habitats. Sugar Apples are generally tolerant to 28 degrees, whereas some Annona's like Soursop will need more cold protection if growing outdoors in Zone 9.
Propagation:
Our Annonas are grown from seed and air-layering and are capable of fruiting within 2-5 years.
See More:
Annona (from Taíno annon) is a genus of flowering plants in the pawpaw/sugar apple family, Annonaceae. The generic name derives from anón, a Hispaniolan Taíno word for the fruit.
Our Annona varieties include Sugar Apples, Red Custard Apple, Soursop, Pond Apple, and Cherimoya fruit trees.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Annona cherimola |
| Common Names | Cherimoya, Custard Apple, Chirimoya |
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Origin | Andean valleys of Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Colombia |
| Plant Type | Semi-deciduous fruit tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 15–30 ft tall x 15–20 ft wide |
| Light | Full sun to light shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate; keep soil evenly moist |
| Soil | Fertile, well-drained, sandy loam |
| Bloom Time | Spring to early summer |
| Flower Color | Greenish-yellow with purple flecks |
| USDA Zones | 9b–11 (container-friendly in cooler zones) |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Grafted preferred; also by seed |
| Seasonal Traits | Semi-deciduous; drops leaves in cooler months |
| Time to Harvest | Within 1–3 years (seedling), 2–4 years (grafted); fruit ripens fall–winter |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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