Annona reticulata is a small deciduous or semi-evergreen tree in the plant family Annonaceae and part of the Annonas group. It is best known for its fruit, called custard apple, a common name shared with fruits of several other species in the same genus: A. cherimola and A. squamosa. Other English common names include ox heart and bullock's heart. The fruit is sweet and useful in preparation of desserts, but is generally less popular for eating than that of A. cherimola.
The custard apple is quite disease-resistant and generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. The custard apple is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive gardening experience.
How to keep Annona Reticulata.
Light
Custard apple comes from open habitats, such as sunny meadows and the edges of forests, which supply abundant light. It does best in Full Sun but can also withstand Partial Sun, adapting well to different light conditions.
Temperature
Custard apple comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature shifts and prefers a steady thermal environment, so indoor temperature fluctuations should be avoided. It usually cannot withstand cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
Use organic fertilizers (e.g., fish emulsion, compost) rather than chemical ones for Custard apple. Give young plants higher amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in spring. Mix compost or fertilizer into the soil either before or after planting. For established plants, apply a balanced fertilizer or one targeting specific deficiencies in spring. Nutrient deficiency leads to small leaves, short branches, yellow or bronze foliage, sour fruits, early fruit drop, and splitting.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Annona
- Family
- Annonaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 6.1 m to 10.67 m
- Mature Spread
- 7.92 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green, Forest Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Panama, Jamaica, China, Colombia, Bahamas, Cuba, Bolivia, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica
Other names.
