Cherimoya is a small, semi-deciduous subtropical tree from the Andes, closely related to the custard apple (sitaphal). It bears large, heart-shaped, scaly green fruit with soft, fragrant, creamy white pulp that tastes like a blend of banana, pineapple and pear. The tree grows well in mild, frost-free hills with cool winters and warm summers. In India it suits higher elevations of the Western Ghats, Nilgiris and parts of the Deccan. Trees need hand pollination for reliable, well-shaped fruit. Deep, well-drained soil and protection from strong wind produce the best harvests of this gourmet fruit.
Specifications
| Family |
Annonaceae |
| Native region |
Andean South America (Ecuador, Peru) |
| Mature height |
5-8 m |
| Mature spread |
4-7 m |
| Growth rate |
Moderate |
| Foliage |
Semi-deciduous, soft green ovate leaves |
| Flower colour |
Greenish-yellow, fragrant |
| Flower season |
Spring to early summer |
| Climate zone |
Subtropical, mild-temperate hills |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to light shade |
| Watering |
Regular in growth; reduce in dormancy, avoid waterlogging |
| Soil / mix |
Deep, fertile, well-drained loam, pH 6.5-7.5 |
| Temperature |
Ideal 17-25C; dislikes hard frost and extreme heat |
| Humidity |
Moderate; very dry heat harms fruit set |
| Fertilizer |
Balanced NPK plus compost 2-3 times a year |
| Pruning |
Light shaping in dormancy; open the canopy |
| Repotting |
Re-pot young grafts every 1-2 years before field planting |
| Propagation |
Grafting onto seedling rootstock; seed for stock |
| Pests & problems |
Mealybugs, fruit borer, seed borer |
| Toxicity / safety |
Seeds and bark toxic; ripe pulp edible |
| Difficulty |
Moderate to challenging |
Uses
Eaten fresh as a dessert fruit, scooped from the skin, and used in ice creams, smoothies and sorbets.
Growing tips
Plant in frost-free hill gardens or cool Deccan pockets and hand-pollinate flowers in the evening for full, well-filled fruit. Mulch heavily and shelter from hot, dry winds.