What Is A Cherimoya - Cherimoya Tree Info And Care Tips

Cherimoyas need sun combined with cool marine nighttime air. They do well in an array of soil types but thrive in well-draining, medium-grade soil with moderate fertility and a pH of 6.5-7.6. Water the tree deeply biweekly during the growing season and then stop watering when the tree goes dormant.

How long does it take for a cherimoya tree to bear fruit?

Cherimoyas ripen in 5 to 8 months after pollination changing in color from a darker to a light green or greenish tan, 3 to 8 inch ovoid weighing 1/2 to 6 lbs. In California fruit ripens from November to June. Other members of the family that are grown for their fruit are: Sugar apple or custard apple (Annona squamosa)

How do you fertilize a cherimoya tree?

Fertilization: Cherimoyas should be fertilized on a regular basis. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 8-8-8 NPK, in midwinter, then every three months. Increase the amount of fertilizer each year until the trees begin to bear fruit.

How big do cherimoya trees grow?

The tree grows up to 9 metres (30 feet) tall but in cultivation is kept pruned to about 5 metres (16 feet) to permit hand pollination of the 2.5-centimetre (1-inch), fleshy, white, fragrant flowers. Cherimoya trees have long, elliptically shaped, light green, velvety leaves.

How do you prune a cherimoya tree?

Look up into the canopy of the cherimoya tree for any branches growing vertically. Cut these branches away, because they will not produce fruit and only block the light and airflow to the tree's canopy. Look for any dead wood and remove it, using a pruning saw for larger branches.

How poisonous is cherimoya?

Cherimoya seeds are poisonous if crushed open. Like other members of the family Annonaceae, the entire plant contains small amounts of neurotoxic acetogenins, such as annonacin, which appear to be linked to atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe. Moreover, an extract of the bark can induce paralysis if injected.

Is Atemoya self pollinating?

Atemoya flowers are unattractive to many insects and do not self-pollinate. ... To hand pollinate, simply collect pollen from male-stage flowers and brush/dust the pollen onto the stigma (Figure 1) of a flower in the female stage.

When should I fertilize my cherimoya tree?

Fertilize cherimoyas with a balanced fertilizer like 8-8-8 in midwinter and then again every three months. Increase this amount each year until the tree begins to bear. Cherimoya fruit can be rather heavy, so pruning to develop strong branches is important.

Is cherimoya good for you?

Cherimoya provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are important in a balanced diet. It also contains antioxidants that help prevent illnesses like cancer. The carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamin C in cherimoya support health and wellness in various ways.

How do you know when to pick cherimoya?

A ripe cherimoya will give slightly to a gentle squeeze much like a peach. Cherimoyas are usually picked before they are fully ripe. Avoid fruit with brown splotches or a fermented aroma. The skin of over-ripe fruit will start to blacken.

Can cherimoya seeds kill you?

The cherimoya fruit skin and its crushed seeds are toxic; ingestion of either is discouraged except by those well familiar with their medicinal qualities. ... The pulverized seeds are also used to kill lice and treat parasitic skin problems. The skin can also be brewed into a tea for treatment of pneumonia.

Is cherimoya and guanabana the same?

The chirimoya looks very similar to another well-known fruit called guanabana or soursop, the main differences are the guanabanas are longer and have pointy bumps. ... Guanabana also has a sour flavor while cherimoyas are very sweet.

How much does a cherimoya cost?

Its yellowish, pale-green skin is distinguished by a uniquely faceted, scale-like appearance. Considering that a single cherimoya generally weighs anywhere from one-half to three pounds or more--and cost $3 to $7 per pound--the fruit may be destined to remain a specialty no matter how unique its taste.

Can cherimoya grow in pots?

Cherimoyas are difficult to grow in containers because they grow a taproot and their size at maturity.

How long do cherimoya seeds take to germinate?

They should sprout in about 4-6 weeks. Start them with filtered sun or 1-2 hours of direct sun, but protect from strong afternoon sun. Water as needed to keep the soil moist (but not constantly saturated). Once the seedlings have 3 leaves, gently transplant to a taller pot, and move them into bright shade for a week.

How do I know if my cherimoya is bad?

Please note that browning of the fruit is not indicative of a bad fruit. It means the fruit is ripe and ready for you to enjoy! Think of an avocado - they get soft very quickly, especially when you leave them out on the counter. If the cherimoya feels soft, this is the best indicator that you should eat it.

Why is cherimoya expensive?

Because the cherimoya produces little fruit naturally and the flowers must be hand-pollinated, the fruit is especially expensive, even in season ($7 per pound). Those lucky enough to have a back yard tree have their pick of the “aristocrat of fruit,” as it is called by aficionados.

Are cherimoya and custard apple the same?

Cherimoya (Annona cherimola) is a green, cone-shaped fruit with scaly skin and creamy, sweet flesh. ... Due to its creamy texture, cherimoya is also known as custard apple. It's often eaten with a spoon and served chilled like custard.

What is the difference between Atemoya and cherimoya?

The atemoya is a hybrid of the cherimoya and sugar apple. Fruits produced by an atemoya tree are smaller than the cherimoya with skin that is spiky and warty; the cherimoya has scale-like skin, closer in appearance to a sugar apple. While a cherimoya can be grown from seed, an atemoya can only be grafted.

How do you eat Atemoya?

The flesh is good chilled. You cut the fruit in half, and eat the pulp out with a spoon.

What does Atemoya taste like?

It is very juicy and smooth, tasting slightly sweet and a little tart, reminiscent of a piña colada. The taste also resembles vanilla from its sugar-apple parent. Many inedible, toxic, black seeds are found throughout the flesh of the atemoya. When ripe, the fruit can be scooped out of the shell and eaten chilled.