Cherimoya, often called the “custard apple,” is a unique fruit grown on a distinctive tree. Understanding its potential height is important for cultivation, allowing for better space planning and long-term care.
Typical Cherimoya Tree Height
Cherimoya trees typically grow to a height of 16 to 30 feet (5 to 9 meters) when allowed to mature naturally. They are generally fast-growing, semi-deciduous to evergreen trees with an open, spreading canopy. In ideal conditions, their natural growth habit tends to be upright, sometimes reaching 30 feet wide.
Trees grown from seed can sometimes reach the taller end of this range or even exceed it. Grafted varieties often exhibit more controlled growth and may remain on the lower side of the typical height range, making them easier to manage in a home garden setting. Cultivars like ‘Booth’ can reach 20 to 30 feet, while others like ‘Bays’ might stay around 20 feet.
Factors Influencing Growth and Size
Several environmental and cultural elements significantly influence a cherimoya tree’s vigor and ultimate height. A mild, subtropical to mild-temperate climate is most suitable, as these trees thrive with cool summers and require chilling hours. However, they are sensitive to prolonged temperatures below 25°F, which can damage mature trees, and do not perform well in areas with dry, intense summer heat or prolonged high humidity.
Adequate sunlight exposure is also important for healthy growth, with full sun generally preferred, though afternoon shade can prevent leaf and fruit sunburn in very hot climates. Well-draining soil is essential, as cherimoyas are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. They prefer rich, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.6.
Consistent water availability during the growing season is necessary, but the soil should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings to avoid oversaturation. Regular fertilization with a balanced NPK formula, such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10, every three months during the growing season supports robust development and can influence the tree’s size. Deficiencies in any of these areas can stunt growth, limiting the tree’s potential height and overall health.
Pruning for Height Control
Pruning is an effective method for managing the height of a cherimoya tree, making harvesting easier and allowing the tree to fit into smaller garden spaces. Pruning typically begins in the tree’s second year. The best time for height-reducing pruning is usually in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins, or after the fruiting season.
In frost-prone regions, waiting until the risk of frost has passed is advisable to prevent damage to new growth. Heading cuts, which involve cutting back branches to a desired height, are used to reduce the tree’s overall stature and encourage new lateral growth. Thinning cuts remove entire branches back to their origin or to a main branch, which helps manage canopy density.
It is important to make clean cuts with sharp, sterilized tools to promote healing and prevent disease. Avoiding over-pruning, generally not removing more than one-third of the canopy in a year, is important to prevent stress and ensure continued productivity. Some growers keep their trees as short as 12 feet to facilitate hand pollination and harvesting.