Seeds N Beyond
Custard Apple Seeds
Custard Apple Seeds
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Annona squamosa
Note: Seeds are toxic if ingested
Overview
The Custard Apple (Annona squamosa), also known as Sugar Apple, Chirimoyo, Atemoya, and Sweetsop, is a small, evergreen fruit tree native to tropical regions of the Americas. It thrives in warm climates and produces sweet, creamy, segmented fruit with a delightful tropical flavor.
Growth & Climate Requirements
- Climate: Tropical, Subtropical, and Temperate (if protected during winter)
- Temperature Range: 10 to 38°C (50 to 100°F)
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam
- Location: Full sun to partial shade
- Water Requirements: Light to medium
- Pollination: Naturally pollinated by ants or hand pollination
Plant Characteristics
- Growth Type: Fast-growing, evergreen (semi-deciduous in cooler climates)
- Height: Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
- Width: Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
- Leaf Size: Mature leaves grow up to 18 cm long and 7 cm wide
- Fruiting Season: Summer to autumn
- Fruit Characteristics: Green, bumpy, approximately 10 cm long and 8 cm wide
- Yield: A mature tree can produce around 75 fruits per season
Germination & Maturity
- Germination Rate: 86%
- Germination Time: 3-4 weeks, depending on conditions
- Germination Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Maturity: 2-4 years
- Seed Storage: Store at 4°C (fridge) for up to 6 months
Special Considerations
- Not frost-tolerant; protect from temperatures below 10°C
- Can be grown in temperate regions if provided with proper care (e.g., greenhouse or indoor growing)
- More wind-tolerant than other Annona species, except in cold, frosty conditions
How to Grow Annona squamosa (Custard Apple)
Step 1: Scarification
Gently rub the seeds against sandpaper or concrete to slightly wear down the outer shell. This helps moisture penetrate and speeds up germination. Be careful not to over-scarify, as this can damage the seed inside.
Step 2: Soaking
Place the seeds in a clean container of cooled, pre-boiled water and soak for 12-24 hours. If soaking for longer, change the water periodically to prevent bacterial contamination.
Step 3: Sowing & Germination
- Fill a small pot with seed-raising mix.
- Sow each seed 1 cm deep, covering lightly with soil.
- Mist with water to avoid disturbing the seed.
- Place the pot in a greenhouse or cover it with clear plastic wrap to maintain humidity.
- Keep in a warm, well-lit location with temperatures around 25°C (77°F). Use a heat mat if necessary.
- Germination typically occurs within 3-4 weeks.
Step 4: Transplanting Seedlings
- Once seedlings sprout, transplant them into a small to medium pot after 1-2 weeks.
- Keep in a warm, frost-free location for the first winter, possibly indoors.
- Temperatures below 10°C can cause damage, and frost will kill the plant.
Step 5: Final Transplant
- Move the plant to its final position in spring.
- Ensure a north-facing, full-sun location for best growth.
- Mulch well at the base to retain warmth and moisture.
- Provide additional watering during fruiting season.
Maturity & Fruiting: Custard Apple trees take approximately 2-4 years to mature and start bearing fruit.
Enhance your garden with Custard Apple Seeds and enjoy its delicious, tropical fruit! 🌱🍈
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