Cherimoya
Annona cherimola
Also listed as Annona pubescens, Annona tripetala
Also known as Custard Apple
Climate Match for your location
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Cherimoya is a subtropical fruit tree native to the Andes, prized for its creamy, custard-like fruit with an exotic flavor. The tree is semi-deciduous and produces fragrant flowers followed by large, heart-shaped fruits that typically ripen in fall and winter.
Why grow it
Cherimoya produces larger fruits than most related Annona species and offers a distinctive custard-like texture and flavor profile that differs markedly from tropical relatives like soursop or sugar apple. The tree's semi-deciduous habit and winter fruiting window extend the harvest season in subtropical climates where other fruit crops may have limited production. It performs well in cooler subtropical zones (USDA 9-11) compared to the more heat-demanding sugar apple, making it accessible to a broader range of growers.
Watch out for
Hand-pollination often improves fruit set significantly, as natural pollinator activity may be inconsistent in cultivation. The fruit's thin skin bruises easily during handling and storage, requiring careful harvest and packing. Trees can take 3-4 years to begin meaningful production, so patience is necessary before evaluating establishment success. The seeds are toxic; eat only the flesh.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Annonaceae
Native Range
Andean region (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia)
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Fino de Jete' and 'Campas' are among the most widely cultivated varieties, known for superior fruit quality and productivity. 'Bonita' and 'Rioja' are also popular selections in commercial and home orchards.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Cherimoya is a subtropical fruit tree native to the Andes, prized for its creamy, custard-like fruit with an exotic flavor. The tree is semi-deciduous and produces fragrant flowers followed by large, heart-shaped fruits that typically ripen in fall and winter.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cherimoya grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Cherimoya produces larger fruits than most related Annona species and offers a distinctive custard-like texture and flavor profile that differs markedly from tropical relatives like soursop or sugar apple. The tree's semi-deciduous habit and winter fruiting window extend the harvest season in subtropical climates where other fruit crops may have limited production. It performs well in cooler subtropical zones (USDA 9-11) compared to the more heat-demanding sugar apple, making it accessible to a broader range of growers.
Watch out for
Hand-pollination often improves fruit set significantly, as natural pollinator activity may be inconsistent in cultivation. The fruit's thin skin bruises easily during handling and storage, requiring careful harvest and packing. Trees can take 3-4 years to begin meaningful production, so patience is necessary before evaluating establishment success. The seeds are toxic; eat only the flesh.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Annonaceae
Native Range
Andean region (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia)
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Fino de Jete' and 'Campas' are among the most widely cultivated varieties, known for superior fruit quality and productivity. 'Bonita' and 'Rioja' are also popular selections in commercial and home orchards.