Cherimoya, often referred to as the "custard apple," is a delight for gardeners looking to add exotic flair to their green space. Known for its creamy, sweet flesh Cherimoya can be used in smoothies, fruit salads or mixed with yoghurt or eaten fresh with a spoon.
Planting Calendar
The best time to plant cherimoya is in spring and autumn,
Harvest In
August to November
Harvest is from August to November depending on variety,when the fruit turns a lighter green but is still firm.
Prepare
Cherimoyas often go unnoticed because not many people know about them. These trees might be small, but they can be real showstoppers when you plant them in big containers. They're super flexible and can be trained to grow along a fence or wall, which makes them a great pick for cozy sunny gardens or roomy courtyards that are somewhat shielded from the elements.
Position
Cherimoyas require free-draining soil, protection from wind and a sunny position. It will be briefly deciduous before new leaves arrive. Once mature, it will survive minor frosts.
Soil
When planted into the ground Cherimoya prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Pollination
To enhance fruit production, manual pollination can be a valuable practice. Using a fine paintbrush and target fully open flowers during the mid-afternoon. Within these flowers, you'll discover slender stalks known as anthers containing pollen. Gently collect this pollen using the brush and deposit it into a small container. Then await till late afternoon when newly blossoming flowers are just beginning to unfurl. Select one of these budding flowers, delicately remove a petal, and apply the collected pollen liberally in and around the base of the flower, where the conical ovary is located. This method effectively facilitates pollination. As a visual indicator, the absence of the removed petal serves as a testament to the completion of the pollination process.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets and Kings Citrus and Fruit Tree fertiliser, then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, and Kings Citrus and Fruit Tree fertiliser from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a containers feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Protect from strong winds, branches laden with fruit may break.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground.
Pruning
Prune is to maintain the shape or to remove weak or damaged growth.
Beginner Tip
Skin and seeds of cherimoya should not be consumed. Store harvested fruit at room temperature until soft, then refrigerate for up to 3 days.