Custard Apple
Annona squamosa
Sweet annona that fruits well in warm climates; does well in large containers.
🌞 Light & Temperature
Light: Full sun
Temperature: 22–34°C
🪴 Pot & Soil
Pot: 45–60 L pot; strong sun; prune for shape.
Soil Mix: Well-draining loam; pH 6–7
💧 Watering
Schedule: Dry season: 2x/week; Rainy season: weekly if no rain
Amount: 3–5 L per watering
Allow top few cm to dry; avoid waterlogging.
🧪 Fertilizing
Type: Balanced fertilizer shifting to higher K at flowering
Frequency: Every 4 weeks
Dosage: 40–60 g/month for 45–60 L pot
🍓 Fruiting & Harvest
Start: 8–12 months (grafted)
Seasonality: Mainly May–Nov in Malaysia
Duration: 3–4 months from flowering
Harvest Indicators: Segments widen and skin turns pale green/cream; fruit yields slightly to pressure
Tips: Bag fruits to prevent borers; harvest slightly firm and finish ripening indoors.
🌱 Propagation
Grafted plants or seedlings (slower)
🐛 Pests & Diseases
- Mealybugs/fruit borers: White oil 1–2%; fruit bagging; sanitation.
🌦️ Seasonal Notes (Malaysia)
Prune after harvest; thin fruits to improve size.
📝 Planting Notes
Stake young plants; provide wind protection.
💡 Extra Care Tips
- Hand-pollinate in the evening to improve set
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Note
Schedules are guidelines—adjust for your microclimate, pot size, and weather. During heavy monsoon rain, reduce watering and improve drainage.