The cherimoya (Annona cherimola) offers a unique tropical flavor, earning it the nickname “ice cream fruit” or “custard apple.” This fruit, lauded by Mark Twain, possesses a creamy, white interior with notes of banana, pineapple, and pear. Growing a cherimoya tree from seed is achievable for the home gardener, but requires patience and specific environmental control, including managing seed preparation, providing consistent warmth, and understanding long-term care.
Preparing and Sowing Cherimoya Seeds
The process begins with selecting seeds from a ripe, healthy fruit, as freshness increases germination success. After extracting the dark, bean-like seeds, thoroughly wash away all residual fruit pulp, which contains inhibitors that prevent sprouting. Once cleaned, the seeds must be prepared to break their hard outer shell—a process known as scarification—which helps water penetrate the embryo and speeds up germination.
A common method is to lightly nick or file the hard seed coating with a file or a sharp tool, taking care not to damage the inner embryo. Alternatively, one can simply soak the seeds in room-temperature water for 24 to 48 hours, which softens the seed coat sufficiently for some seeds to begin the process. Any seeds that float after the soaking period should be discarded, as they are likely not viable for planting.
For sowing, a well-draining seed starter mix, amended with materials like perlite or coarse sand, should be used to prevent waterlogging. Plant each seed about one-half to three-quarters of an inch deep in a container that is at least five to six inches tall to accommodate the deep-growing taproot of the seedling. Planting in individual, deep containers is preferred because the cherimoya’s sensitive root system does not tolerate disturbance well during transplanting.
Ensuring Successful Germination
After sowing, maintaining a consistently warm environment is necessary to trigger germination. The ideal temperature range for success is between 65°F and 85°F, though a constant temperature around 86°F (30°C) often yields the highest and fastest rates. To achieve this warmth, place the pots on a heat mat or in a dedicated warm area of the home.
The planting medium must be kept uniformly moist but never soggy, as excessive moisture leads to fungal issues and seed rot. Covering the pot with a clear plastic dome or bag helps maintain high humidity and consistent moisture, mimicking a tropical environment. Sprouts can emerge anywhere from three to five weeks, though it may take up to six months in less-than-ideal conditions.
The initial emergence of the seedling is characterized by a delicate stem pushing through the soil, often with the seed coat still attached to the cotyledons. Once this first growth appears, the plastic covering must be removed immediately to ensure proper air circulation and prevent the development of mold or dampening-off disease. The transition from the dark, warm germination environment to light is a delicate stage for the vulnerable seedling.
Caring for Young Seedlings and Transplanting
Once the seedling has emerged and the dome is removed, it requires bright, indirect light to begin photosynthesis without being scorched by harsh sun. A south-facing window with filtered light or a location under a grow light provides the necessary intensity for healthy leaf development. Young cherimoya plants are highly susceptible to sunburn, so direct, intense afternoon sun should be avoided during the initial months of growth.
As the seedling develops its first set of true leaves, the watering schedule should continue to keep the soil moist, but with slightly longer periods between waterings to allow the top layer to dry out. When the plant reaches a height of 6 to 12 inches, it is ready for its first transplant into a larger pot or its permanent location. Caution must be taken during this step to avoid damaging the long, sensitive taproot.
The new container should be significantly deeper than the previous one to accommodate the downward growth of the root system. When moving the plant, water the soil thoroughly beforehand so the root ball slides out easily and remains intact. If the tree is destined for the outdoors, hardening off is necessary, involving gradually exposing the plant to increasing amounts of direct sunlight, wind, and outdoor temperatures over one to two weeks.
Long Term Maintenance and Fruiting Timeline
Cherimoya trees are subtropical and cannot tolerate temperatures below 25°F, especially when young, making a frost-free environment a requirement for long-term outdoor survival. The tree prefers a mild, Mediterranean-like climate with cool nights and moderate summer heat, thriving best in well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.5 to 7.6. During the active growing season, the tree requires regular, deep watering to maintain consistent soil moisture, though overwatering must be avoided to prevent root rot.
Fertilization is scheduled every three months during the growing period, typically using a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer like an 8-8-8 NPK formulation, increasing the amount annually as the tree matures. Young cherimoya trees naturally develop a slightly shrubby, spreading growth habit, which benefits from structural pruning in the early years to establish a strong central leader and scaffold branches. Pruning also helps manage the tree’s size, which can reach 30 feet if left untended.
The most significant commitment when growing from seed is the time required before fruiting; a cherimoya typically takes five to seven years to begin bearing. Furthermore, the fruit produced by a seed-grown tree may not be identical in quality or flavor to the parent due to natural genetic variation. Monitoring for common pests such as mealybugs and mites, and maintaining good air circulation, are important steps to ensure the tree remains healthy.