Knobbly green fruit with sweet, fragrant, custard-like flesh on a briefly deciduous subtropical tree. Hand-pollination greatly improves the crop in cooler districts.
At a glance
- Plant type: Fruiting tree
- Mature size: 6 m H × 5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Custard Apple
Annona cherimola is a moderate-growing fruiting tree in the Annonaceae family. It reaches around 6 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage.
Where to grow Custard Apple
Custard Apple suits subtropical, tropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Custard Apple does best in free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Custard Apple does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Custard Apple in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. For most gardens, it is moderate maintenance.
Using Custard Apple in the garden
Custard Apple earns its place for edible harvests and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Custard Apple sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden.
Buying Custard Apple
Plant Sale lists Custard Apple as potted plants, advanced specimens and bare-root stock. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
