🌳 The Tropical Exotic: Custard Apple Selection
The Custard Apple (Annona muricata), also known as Guyabano, is a prized addition to any "Urban Farm." It is a small, upright evergreen tree famous for its large, heart-shaped fruit with a unique "spiky" green skin and creamy, citrus-like white flesh.
The Gourmet Superfood: Custard Apple is highly sought after not just for its delicious flavour—often described as a mix of strawberry and pineapple with sour citrus notes—but also for its widely documented medicinal properties.
Fruit Profile: Large, solitary fruit that can weigh several kilograms. The flesh is juicy and fibrous, perfect for smoothies, desserts, and juices.
Requirements:
- Climate: This is a tropical tree that loves warm, humid conditions. It is sensitive to frost and should be protected if temperatures drop below 5°C. In Gqeberha, a sunny, sheltered spot away from cold winter winds is essential.
- Sun: Requires full sun (6–8 hours daily) for robust fruit production.
- Soil: Thrives in well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). We recommend enriching your planting hole with our Triple Mix Farm Soil and adding a bag of acid compost.
- Water: Needs regular watering, especially during dry spells, but is sensitive to waterlogged roots. Ensure your drainage is excellent.
- Container Growing: Soursops are excellent candidates for large containers (at least 50cm diameter) if you have limited space or need to move the tree to a sheltered patio during cold snaps.
📍 Pot & Barrel "Die Plaas" Tip:
Custard Apple fruit typically takes 3 to 4 months to mature after flowering. Because the fruit can become heavy, we recommend providing support with stakes or a trellis as the tree matures to prevent branches from bending or breaking.
Visit us at the shop in Walmer, Port Elizabeth, or contact us on Whatsapp 072 867 3243.
Our Custard Apple Trees are currently available at R75 each.