Annonaceae
Sugar-apple: Edible Plant
Annona squamosa
Requires full sun and well-drained soil. It must be protected from frost and cold winds, with regular watering during the growth and fruiting phases.
Every 5 days
Direct sun
15° - 35°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Sugar-apple?
Sugar-apple (Annona squamosa) is a medium-care plant from the Annonaceae family. Annona squamosa, commonly known as sugar-apple or sweetsop, is a small tropical fruit tree. Its fruits are famous for their sweet, creamy white pulp, protected by a green skin composed of protruding scales. It is a plant that thrives in heat and humidity, losing its leaves during periods of drought...
Sugar-apple grows up to 6.0m, with spread of 400cm, watering every 5 days, 15°C â 35°C, 60â90% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Sugar-apple?
TLDR: Sugar-apple needs Direct sun, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between 15-35°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Sugar-apple?
Water deeply when the top of the soil is dry, but drastically reduce frequency during winter or when the plant loses its leaves.
How Much Light Does Sugar-apple Need?
For abundant fruit production, the plant needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
What Is the Best Soil for Sugar-apple?
Use a mixture of potting soil, sand, and organic compost to ensure proper drainage and nutrition.
What Pot Should You Use for Sugar-apple?
Large ceramic or cement pots with excellent drainage for developing seedlings.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 60 days
Misting
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Sugar-apple and Where Does It Come From?
Annona squamosa, commonly known as sugar-apple or sweetsop, is a small tropical fruit tree. Its fruits are famous for their sweet, creamy white pulp, protected by a green skin composed of protruding scales. It is a plant that thrives in heat and humidity, losing its leaves during periods of drought or intense cold.
How to Propagate Sugar-apple?
Sowing
- Use fresh seeds for a higher success rate
- Avoid waterlogging the soil during germination
- 1 Seed preparation
Remove the pulp from the seeds and soak them in warm water for 24 hours to break dormancy.
- 2 Planting
Sow in a light substrate rich in organic matter at a depth of about 2 cm.
- 3 Germination
Keep the soil moist and in a warm place until the seedlings emerge.
Materials needed:
Grafting
- Keep cutting tools sterilized
- Grafting ensures fruits with the same characteristics as the mother plant
- 1 Rootstock selection
Choose a young and vigorous Annona squamosa or Annona reticulata plant.
- 2 Cutting and Joining
Perform a cleft graft on the rootstock and insert the scion from the desired plant, ensuring cambium contact.
- 3 Protection
Seal the union with grafting tape and cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Sugar-apple Grow?
TLDR: Sugar-apple can reach up to 6.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
6.0m
Spread
4.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Leaf infusion to aid digestion
- Insecticidal properties of ground seeds (external use)
- Anti-inflammatory action of the leaves
Culinary Uses
- Fresh consumption
- Juices and smoothies
- Ice cream and popsicles
- Creamy desserts
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents fertility, the sweetness of life, and hospitality in tropical regions.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | â ïļ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Boston Fern | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Weeping Fig | Medium | Partial shade | 10d | â ïļ |
