Soursop (Annona muricata)
Common Names: Soursop, Graviola, Guanabana, Guyabano, Brazilian Pawpaw
Family: Annonaceae
Origin: Tropical Americas and the Caribbean
The Soursop (Annona muricata) is a highly sought-after tropical fruit tree, celebrated for its large, spiky green fruits with soft, juicy, and tangy-sweet flesh. This unique fruit combines flavors reminiscent of pineapple, strawberry, and citrus with a creamy texture, making it perfect for fresh eating, smoothies, juices, and desserts. Beyond its culinary appeal, Soursop is revered for its traditional medicinal uses, with the leaves, bark, and fruit often used in herbal remedies. This fast-growing evergreen tree thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, producing a delicious and nutritious harvest that adds tropical charm to any garden.
Fruits: Soursop's fruit has an exotic flavor and appearance. Soursop produces large, heart-shaped fruits with spiky green skin and soft, white, aromatic pulp dotted with inedible black seeds. The fruit has soft white creamy flesh and tastes like an exotic combination of coconut, pineapple, and papaya! Soursop (or Guanabana) has a unique creamy but also slightly gritty pear-like texture. The fruit’s unique tangy-sweet flavor is perfect for fresh consumption or processing into beverages and desserts.
Foliage: The glossy, dark green leaves give the tree a lush, tropical appearance year-round.
Growth Habit: Soursop grows as a medium-sized evergreen tree, typically reaching 15-20 feet tall, with a broad, spreading canopy.
Medicinal Uses: Soursop has a long history of use in traditional medicine, with its leaves and fruit being brewed into teas or extracts to promote relaxation, boost immunity, and support overall wellness.
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.
Quick Care Guide for Soursop
Plant Type: Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season: Late Summer to Fall
Mature Size: 15-20 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
Soil & Moisture: Well-draining, fertile soil; moderate to high moisture
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Growth Rate: Fast
Self-fertile: Yes
Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 9-11 (protect from frost)
Propagation: Grown from seeds or grafted trees.
Growing Guide for Soursop
Climate and Soil Requirements
- Climate: Soursop thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, performing best in USDA zones 9-11. It prefers warm temperatures and high humidity but must be protected from frost in cooler regions.
- Soil: The tree grows best in well-draining, sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Enriching the soil with organic compost enhances fertility and moisture retention.
Planting
- Location: Choose a sunny location with protection from strong winds, as the tree’s branches are brittle.
- Soil Preparation: Amend sandy or poor soils with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. Ensure the site has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Spacing: Space trees 12-15 feet apart to allow for their spreading canopy.
Watering
- Moderate to High Moisture: Water regularly during the first year to establish roots. Once established, Soursop benefits from consistent watering, especially during flowering and fruiting. Avoid waterlogging the soil.
Sunlight and Fertilizing
- Full Sun: Ensure the tree receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and fruit production.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through fall). Adding compost or mulch around the base helps retain moisture and improve soil health.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Moderate Maintenance: Prune lightly in late winter to shape the tree, remove dead or damaged branches, and improve air circulation. Regular pruning encourages better fruiting and reduces disease risk.
- Container Growing: Soursop can be grown in large containers in cooler regions. Use a well-draining potting mix and bring the tree indoors during cold weather.
Pest and Disease Management
- Common Pests: The tree may attract aphids, scale, or mealybugs. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage infestations.
- Diseases: Soursop is susceptible to root rot and anthracnose in overly wet conditions. Ensure good drainage and proper airflow to minimize fungal issues.
Harvesting Soursop
When to Harvest:
- Fruits are ready for harvest when they turn slightly soft and give under gentle pressure. Fully ripened fruits may fall off the tree. Harvest before over-ripening to prevent damage.
How to Use:
- Soursop pulp is perfect for fresh eating or can be blended into smoothies, juices, and ice creams. The fruit is also used in traditional desserts, jams, and syrups.
Health Benefits
Soursop is rich in vitamins C and B6, fiber, and antioxidants, which support immune health, digestion, and overall wellness. The fruit contains compounds believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a popular choice in natural remedies.
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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