Cherimoya (Annona cherimola) 2L Pot
Annona cherimola is a subtropical fruit tree grown for its green fruit and soft, aromatic pulp.
Cherimoya develops an upright, branching habit with oval green leaves. Mature plants produce fleshy, pale yellow-green flowers followed by rounded or heart-shaped fruit with a patterned green skin.
The ripe white flesh has a soft, custard-like texture and a sweet flavour often described as containing tropical and lightly acidic notes.
In the UK, Cherimoya is best grown in a greenhouse, conservatory or large container that can be moved under cover for winter. It is more tolerant of cool conditions than many tropical Annona species but remains vulnerable to frost.
Plant Details
Botanical name: Annona cherimola
Common names: Cherimoya, Chirimoya, Custard Apple
Plant family: Annonaceae
Habit: Branching subtropical shrub or small tree
Potential height: Approximately 2–4 metres in a large container, depending on pruning
Foliage: Oval green leaves
Flowers: Fleshy, pale yellow-green flowers
Fruit: Green, rounded or heart-shaped fruit with white pulp
Position: Full sun or bright partial shade
Suitable for: Greenhouses, conservatories and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not reliably frost hardy
Growing Advice
Grow your Cherimoya in fertile, well-draining compost in a bright, sheltered position. Move the plant into progressively larger containers as it develops.
Keep the compost evenly moist during active growth, but avoid prolonged waterlogging. Reduce watering during winter when the plant is growing slowly or has lost some of its leaves.
Cherimoya prefers warm days but may struggle in excessively hot, dry greenhouse conditions. Provide ventilation and some protection from the strongest midday sun if leaves begin to scorch.
Feed regularly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Change to a high-potassium feed once flowering begins.
Overwinter in a bright, frost-free greenhouse or conservatory. Young plants should be protected from temperatures approaching freezing.
Fruiting in the UK
Cherimoya requires plant maturity, sufficient warmth and successful flower pollination before fruit can develop.
The flowers pass through separate female and male stages, and hand pollination may improve fruit set under glass.
Fruit production is possible in a heated greenhouse or conservatory but cannot be guaranteed in the UK. Seed-grown trees may take several years to reach flowering size.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one Cherimoya plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.
Plant height, branching and leaf development will vary naturally according to the time of year.
Important Information
Only the fully ripe fruit pulp is intended for consumption. Do not eat the seeds, leaves, stems or other parts of the plant.
Seed-grown plants are naturally variable, and future fruit size, quality and flavour cannot be guaranteed.