Sugar Apples

Annona squamosa

Sugar Apples are the most widely cultivated member of the Annonaceae family:  genus Annona.  Sometimes called "Sweetsop", as distinguished from "Soursop" (Annona muricata, aka Guanabana or Mang cau).

Sugar Apples are a native of the tropical Americas and West Indies, though widely cultivated in parts of  SE  Asia.   Sometimes loosely called  "custard apple", especially in India and Australia.

Sugar Apples are typically seedling grown, maybe air-layered at some nurseries.  Fruit in 3 yrs from seed.

Flowers

Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer.  In their native environment, flowers are pollinated by nitidulid beetles, as bees can not reach the pollen.  Hand pollination may be necessary in areas where the beetles do not exist.

However,  newer cultivars are now being either bred or introduced that are self pollinating, and much heavier producers of fruit in Florida's climate.

Fruits

Sugar Apples are a heart-shaped fruit about 2-4" in diameter, and are typically pale green to blue green in color with a deep pink blush on certain varieties.

Its exterior is segmented and tends to separate when ripe, exposing the interior. Inside are many small shiny dark brown seeds.

Its exterior is segmented and tends to separate when ripe, exposing the interior. Inside are many small shiny dark brown seeds.

Growing Conditions

Sugar Apples like it warm and humid.  Optimum growing conditions are 74-93 degrees, with 70% humidity or more, and possibly wind protection. 

Protect from frost, though mature trees can tolerate short spells of temperatures down to 29-30 degrees.

Sugar Apples can tolerate many different types of soil, but rich loamy compost will produce a hardier tree.  Good drainage is absolutely essential.