Pepe's Fruit Trees • Davie, Florida
Annona Fruit Trees in Florida
Learn how to grow sugar apple, soursop, atemoya, cherimoya, custard apple, ilama and other Annona fruit trees in South Florida.
I have been growing tropical fruit trees in South Florida for more than 30 years. The information on this page combines my personal experience growing Annona trees with practical guidance for Florida gardeners.
Shop Annona and Tropical Fruit TreesWhich Annona Trees Grow Best in Florida?
Based on more than 30 years of growing tropical fruit trees in South Florida, I have found sugar apple and atemoya to be among the most dependable Annona trees for our climate.
Soursop can also grow successfully in warm, protected locations, but it is highly sensitive to cold. True cherimoya is generally less successful in Florida's hot, humid lowland climate.
Pepe's Key Growing Takeaways
- Sugar apple and atemoya are generally the most practical Annona choices for South Florida.
- Plant most Annona trees in full sun and fast-draining soil.
- Protect soursop and other tropical Annonas from cold weather and north winds.
- Hand pollination can significantly improve fruit set, size and shape.
- Avoid keeping established sugar apple and atemoya trees constantly wet.
- Reduce watering and fertilizer when deciduous Annona trees enter winter dormancy.
- Remove and discard Annona seeds. Do not chew, grind or blend them.
More Than 30 Years of Tropical Fruit Growing Experience
My recommendations are based on more than three decades of growing Annona trees and many other tropical fruit trees in South Florida. During that time, I have observed how different species respond to our heat, humidity, heavy summer rain, dry periods, cold fronts, soil conditions and local pests.
Every yard and every tree is different, but firsthand experience has shown me that choosing the right species, providing excellent drainage and understanding pollination are among the most important factors for producing healthy Annona trees and quality fruit.
Annona Tree Comparison for Florida
The Annona family contains tropical and subtropical fruit trees with different temperature, humidity and drainage requirements. The ratings below reflect both general growing characteristics and my experience growing tropical fruit trees in South Florida.
| Fruit tree | Botanical name | Florida suitability | Pepe's growing note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar apple or sweetsop | Annona squamosa | Very good for warm South Florida locations | One of the most dependable Annona trees I have grown; avoid excessive irrigation |
| Atemoya | Annona cherimola × squamosa | Well suited to many South Florida gardens | A strong Florida choice; hand pollination often improves production |
| Soursop, guanabana or graviola | Annona muricata | Best in protected, frost-free South Florida locations | Can grow well in a warm microclimate but needs serious cold protection |
| Cherimoya | Annona cherimola | Usually poorly suited to humid lowland Florida | In my experience, true cherimoya is less dependable here than sugar apple or atemoya |
| Custard apple | Annona reticulata | Can grow in South Florida | Fruit quality varies and pest pressure can be troublesome |
| Ilama | Annona diversifolia | Best for experienced tropical-fruit growers | Excellent potential, but ripe fruit may split on the tree |
| Pond apple | Annona glabra | Florida native adapted to wetlands | Valuable as a native wetland tree but not normally selected as a premium dessert fruit |
Annona Fruit Tree Species Guide
Sugar Apple or Sweetsop (Annona squamosa)
Sugar apple is one of the most popular and dependable Annona fruit trees I have grown in South Florida. Its fruit has sweet, creamy, segmented flesh surrounded by a knobby green exterior.
In my experience, established sugar apple trees handle short dry periods better than constantly wet soil. Excess watering can weaken the roots, while heavy rainfall close to harvest may contribute to fruit splitting.
Pepe's harvest tip: Pick the fruit when the sections begin separating or the fruit starts to soften. Allow it to finish ripening at room temperature.
Atemoya (Annona cherimola × squamosa)
Atemoya is a hybrid between cherimoya and sugar apple. It combines the rich flavor and smoother flesh associated with cherimoya with better adaptation to warm subtropical climates.
I consider atemoya one of the better Annona choices for many South Florida growers. Some varieties produce naturally, but I have found that hand pollination can improve fruit set and help produce larger, better-shaped fruit.
Soursop, Guanabana or Graviola (Annona muricata)
Soursop produces large green fruit with soft, aromatic pulp. The flesh is commonly used in juices, shakes, frozen desserts and other tropical recipes.
From my experience growing soursop in South Florida, location is extremely important. Plant it in a warm, sheltered area with excellent drainage. A site near the south or southeast side of a building may provide additional warmth and protection from cold wind.
Soursop is highly cold-sensitive. Young trees can be damaged during cool weather, and freezing temperatures may be fatal.
Cherimoya (Annona cherimola)
Cherimoya produces aromatic fruit with smooth, creamy white flesh and a sweet, custard-like flavor.
In my experience, true cherimoya is not as dependable in South Florida's hot, humid lowlands as sugar apple or atemoya. Buyers should also confirm the botanical name because custard apple and other Annonas are sometimes incorrectly labeled as cherimoya.
Custard Apple (Annona reticulata)
Custard apple is a fast-growing tropical tree whose fruit may be round, heart-shaped or oblong. It can grow in South Florida, although fruit quality varies considerably from tree to tree.
I recommend monitoring custard apple carefully for pests because pest pressure may also affect nearby sugar apple, atemoya and other Annona trees.
Ilama (Annona diversifolia)
Ilama is a less common Annona valued for its rich, complex flavor. It is better suited to experienced growers because its cultural requirements can be demanding and ripe fruit may split while still attached to the tree.
Pond Apple (Annona glabra)
Pond apple is a Florida native associated with wetlands and the Everglades. Unlike most edible garden Annonas, it tolerates very wet soil. It is ecologically important but is not normally chosen as a premium dessert fruit.
Annona Flowers and Hand Pollination
Annona flowers usually develop through separate female and male stages. Because a flower may not release pollen while it is receptive, natural pollination can be unreliable.
After working with Annona trees for many years, I have found hand pollination to be one of the most useful techniques for improving fruit set, fruit size and shape. Small beetles and other insects may help, but natural pollination varies greatly.
How I Hand-Pollinate Annona Flowers
- Find a male-stage flower that is open and releasing pollen.
- Collect the pollen in a small clean container or on a fine artist's brush.
- Locate a newly opening female-stage flower.
- Place the pollen inside the female flower with the brush.
- Check the flower during the following week for swelling that may indicate fruit development.
I often find female-stage flowers easier to pollinate during humid weather, early in the morning or after rainfall.
Pepe's grower tip: Sugar apple pollen may be useful for pollinating atemoya flowers. Results vary by variety, weather, flower timing and insect activity.
How to Grow and Care for Annona Trees
The following care recommendations reflect the conditions I have observed while growing tropical fruit trees in South Florida for more than 30 years.
Sunlight
Plant Annona trees in a sunny location. Good light supports flowering, fruit development and healthy growth.
Soil and drainage
Excellent drainage is one of the most important factors I have observed. Most edible Annona trees should not be planted in low areas where water remains after heavy rain. Pond apple is the major wet-soil exception.
Watering
Water newly planted trees often enough to establish their roots without keeping the soil constantly saturated. Once established, sugar apple and atemoya generally benefit from some drying between irrigation.
Winter dormancy
Some Annona trees lose their leaves during winter. I reduce irrigation while these trees are leafless and dormant, then gradually resume normal watering when new growth begins.
Cold protection
Protect young and cold-sensitive trees before cold fronts arrive. A warm microclimate, protection from north winds and temporary frost covering can make a major difference. Do not allow plastic or heavy covering material to rest directly on delicate foliage.
Pruning
I use light pruning to keep Annona trees compact, improve air movement and make flowers easier to reach for hand pollination. Remove dead, damaged and crossing branches.
Container growing
Young Annona trees can grow temporarily in large containers with excellent drainage. In my experience, long-term growth and fruit production are usually better when a suitable tree is planted in the ground.
Annona Tree Fertilizer Guidance
Fertilizer needs vary according to tree age, soil, rainfall, irrigation and product analysis. The following is general guidance based on my experience growing tropical fruit trees in South Florida. Always adjust applications according to tree condition and the fertilizer label.
Always follow the fertilizer label. Keep fertilizer away from the trunk and reduce or stop applications when trees are flooded, stressed, recently transplanted or inactive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Annona Trees
How much experience does Pepe have growing Annona trees?
I have been growing Annona trees and many other tropical fruit trees in South Florida for more than 30 years. My recommendations are based on firsthand observations of how these trees respond to Florida's heat, humidity, rainfall, cold fronts, soil and pests.
What is the easiest Annona tree to grow in South Florida?
Based on my experience, sugar apple is one of the easiest and most dependable Annona trees for warm South Florida gardens. Atemoya is also an excellent choice.
What is the best Annona tree for Florida?
For South Florida, I generally recommend sugar apple or atemoya. Soursop can also grow well in a protected warm location, while true cherimoya is usually less dependable in our climate.
Can cherimoya grow in Florida?
True cherimoya may survive in some Florida locations, but in my experience it generally performs poorly in hot, humid lowland conditions. Atemoya and sugar apple are usually more practical alternatives.
Are sugar apple and cherimoya the same fruit?
No. Sugar apple is Annona squamosa, while cherimoya is Annona cherimola. They are related but have different fruit characteristics and climate preferences.
What is the difference between atemoya and sugar apple?
Atemoya is a hybrid of cherimoya and sugar apple. Atemoya fruit generally has smoother flesh with fewer distinct segments, while sugar apple has a more strongly segmented appearance and texture.
Are soursop, guanabana and graviola the same fruit?
Yes. Soursop, guanabana and graviola are common names for Annona muricata.
Can soursop grow in Florida?
Yes, soursop can grow in warm, protected parts of South Florida. In my experience, the best results come from locations with excellent drainage and protection from cold wind.
Can soursop grow in Central Florida?
Growing soursop outdoors in Central Florida is risky because winter temperatures can damage or kill the tree. Container growing with winter protection may be more practical.
Do I need two Annona trees to produce fruit?
Many Annona trees can produce fruit with a single tree. However, having more flowers available and using hand pollination can improve production.
Do Annona trees need hand pollination?
Not always, but I have found hand pollination very useful for improving fruit set, fruit size and shape when natural pollinators or flower timing are unreliable.
Why does my Annona tree flower but not produce fruit?
Possible causes include poor pollination, mismatched male and female flower stages, weather stress, excessive nitrogen, overwatering, drought or an immature tree.
Why are my sugar apples splitting?
In my experience, splitting often follows heavy rain or a sudden increase in soil moisture when fruit is close to ripening.
Can Annona trees grow in containers?
Young Annona trees can grow in large containers with excellent drainage. Long-term fruit production is usually better when a suitable tree is planted in the ground.
Should I water an Annona tree after it loses its leaves?
I reduce irrigation substantially during leafless winter dormancy and gradually resume normal watering when new growth begins.
Can Annona trees grow in wet soil?
Most edible garden Annonas require good drainage and do not tolerate prolonged flooding. Pond apple is a wetland-adapted exception.
Can Annona seeds be eaten or blended?
No. Remove and discard Annona seeds. Do not chew, grind or blend them into drinks or food.
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