Description
Soursop/Guanabana also known as Graviola or Annona muricata, is a tropical evergreen tree native to the Americas, particularly in the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. It’s highly valued for its fruit.
Soursop trees are relatively small, reaching heights of about 5 to 6 meters. They have large, glossy, dark green leaves that are oblong or oval in shape. The fruit is typically heart-shaped, covered in a spiky green outer skin, and can weigh anywhere from 2 to 5 kilograms.
Soursop trees are self-pollinating, but you can help increase fruit production by gently shaking the branches or using a soft brush to transfer pollen between flowers.
The fruit of the soursop plant has a unique flavour that’s often described as a combination of pineapple and strawberry, with citrus notes. It’s mildly sweet and tart.
Soursop fruit typically takes 3 to 4 months to mature after flowering. Harvest the fruit when it is still slightly firm but yields to gentle pressure. Avoid letting the fruit become too soft, as it will quickly spoil.
In various cultures, different parts of the soursop plant are used for medicinal purposes. For example, the leaves are brewed into a tea believed to have calming properties, while the fruit itself is consumed for its potential health benefits.
PLEASE NOTE: Imported Tropical Trees may be small in size:
Position:
Soursop trees thrive in warm, tropical climates with high humidity. Soursop trees are sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate temperatures below 5°C.
Soursop trees can tolerate some shade but do best in full sun.
They can grow up to 6 metres tall and wide.
You can grow soursop trees in containers, but it’s important to choose a large enough container and provide proper care to ensure the tree’s health and productivity.
Select a large container with a diameter of at least 50 cm and a depth of at least 60 cm. Ensure the container has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
Soil:
Soursop trees prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, add a bag of acid compost to your soil or container. Sandy loam or loamy soils are ideal. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Watering:
These trees require regular watering, especially during dry periods. However, they are sensitive to waterlogged conditions, so be careful not to overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but do not let it become completely dry.
Fertilising:
Apply our slow-release Berry/All-plant Fertiliser. For young trees, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need.
Pruning:
Prune the soursop tree to maintain its size and shape. Remove dead, diseased, or crowded branches to improve airflow and encourage healthy growth.
Support:
Provide support for the tree if necessary, especially when it starts to produce fruit. You can use stakes or a trellis to support the branches and prevent them from bending or breaking under the weight of the fruit.
Pests and Diseases:
Soursop trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including fruit flies, aphids, scales, and fungal diseases like anthracnose and powdery mildew. We recommend using Effective microorganisms – EM Control
