Red custard apple (Annona reticulata) is a relative of sugar apple with reddish skin and sweet, creamy, custard-like flesh. (Annona reticulata)
Shop this plant: Red Custard Apple Tree – 3 Gal
Quick Care Summary
- Sun: Full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day, for the best flowering and fruit.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is essential.
- Watering: Water new plants 2-3 times a week for the first month, then weekly through the first year.
Sun
Full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day, for the best flowering and fruit.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential. South Florida's sandy and limestone soils work well if water never stands; plant on a slight mound in low areas and mix in compost at planting.
Watering
Water new plants 2-3 times a week for the first month, then weekly through the first year. Established trees need deep watering during dry spells, especially while flowering and setting fruit.
Fertilizer Schedule for South Florida
Young trees: a balanced fertilizer with minor elements (such as 6-6-6 or 8-3-9) every 6-8 weeks from March through September, starting small and increasing as the tree grows. Mature trees: 2-3 applications a year (spring, early summer, late summer). Skip fertilizer from November through February. On alkaline South Florida soil, add chelated iron and manganese if new leaves are pale with green veins.
Pruning
Prune lightly after harvest to shape the tree, remove dead and crossing branches, and keep it at a pickable height.
Cold Protection
Damaged near 28-30°F; cover young trees.
Container vs. In-Ground
It can be kept in a 15-25 gallon container for several years with a fast-draining mix and regular pruning, but grows and fruits best in the ground.
Spacing
Plant 15-20 ft from other trees and at least 10 ft from buildings.
Flowering and Fruiting Timeline
Fruits in 2-4 years. Flowers in spring; fruit ripens late winter to spring.
Harvest
Pick when skin color deepens and fruit gives slightly; ripen on the counter.
Common Pests and Diseases
Start with organic, low-impact fixes: good airflow, clean-up of fallen fruit and leaves, and soaps or oils before anything stronger. Always follow label directions.
Annona seed borer
How to identify: Small holes in fruit.
Organic-first treatment: Bag young fruit and remove damaged fruit.
Scale and mealybugs
How to identify: Small bumps or white cottony clusters on stems and leaf undersides, often with sticky honeydew and black sooty mold.
Organic-first treatment: Prune heavily infested twigs, spray horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, and control the ants that farm them.
Anthracnose and leaf spot
How to identify: Dark sunken spots on leaves and fruit, worse in rainy weather.
Organic-first treatment: Prune for airflow, clean up fallen leaves and fruit, and use copper fungicide during wet periods if needed.
Fruit flies
How to identify: Small punctures in ripening fruit that turn soft and rot from inside.
Organic-first treatment: Harvest on time, pick up dropped fruit daily, and bag developing fruit with mesh or paper bags.
FAQ
Does it need hand pollination? Hand pollinating flowers in the morning greatly increases fruit set.
Is it related to sugar apple? Yes, same family.
Related Reading
- Sugar Apple (Anón) Through the Year: Miami Care Calendar
- Why Too Much Fertilizer Can Hurt Your Fruit Tree More Than None
- Cold-Hardy Fruit Trees for Florida Freezes (and How to Protect Tender Ones)
Ready to grow your own? Get the Red Custard Apple here.
