Annona squamosa or Sitafal is a small, branched tree or shrub from the Annonaceae family. Ripe fruits have a lot of juicy pulp around the seeds. This plant should only be grown outdoors in non-freezing areas, away from cold winds. It is best grown in nutrient-rich, evenly moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. A small tropical tree native to the Amazon rainforest, it reaches 30 feet in height. The leaves are thin, elongated, the flowers are yellow-green. The flowers are oblong, never fully open, with one on a long, drooping stem and three fleshy outer petals, greenish-yellow on the outside and pale yellow on the inside with a purple spot or dark red at the base.

Planting

• The tree should be watered every 2 to 4 weeks during the period of low growth and every 3 to 5 days during flowering and fruit set.
• There must be adequate moisture in the soil to encourage vegetative growth and blooms that occur on new branches.
• Custard apple is normally low maintenance and fairly easy to grow as long as a basic level of care is provided throughout the year.
• Growing the custard apple tree requires weed management.
• The custard apple is susceptible to wind damage. Therefore, it should be planted in a place sheltered from the wind.

Custard Apple care

• Keep the plant in natural bright light.
• Water thoroughly in the summer season and reduce watering in winter and rainy season.
• Water when the topsoil (12 inches) is dry.
• The soil should be well-drained and fertile, rich in organic contents for the growing of the plant.