Soursop (guanabana) is a fast-growing tropical tree with large, spiny green fruit and creamy, tangy-sweet flesh. It thrives in the warmest parts of South Florida. (Annona muricata)
Shop this plant: Soursop / Guanabana Plant 24"+
Quick Care Summary
- Sun: Full sun to light shade.
- Soil: Well-drained soil; it does not tolerate flooding.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially while flowering and fruiting.
Sun
Full sun to light shade. Young plants benefit from some afternoon shade.
Soil
Well-drained soil; it does not tolerate flooding. Grows in sand and limestone with good organic mulch.
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist, especially while flowering and fruiting. Water 2-3 times a week the first year, then in dry spells.
Fertilizer Schedule for South Florida
Balanced fertilizer with minor elements every 2 months March-October for young trees; 3-4 times a year for mature trees. Use chelated iron if leaves yellow on alkaline soil.
Pruning
Prune lightly after harvest to keep the tree at 10-15 ft and open the canopy. Remove dead wood and water sprouts.
Cold Protection
One of the most cold-sensitive annonas. Damaged below about 35°F. Cover with frost cloth and bring container plants inside.
Container vs. In-Ground
Can be grown in a 15-25 gallon pot in cooler areas so you can move it indoors in winter.
Spacing
12-15 ft apart.
Flowering and Fruiting Timeline
Seedlings and young trees usually fruit in 3-5 years. Flowers off and on through the warm season; main fruit in summer to fall.
Harvest
Pick when the skin turns lighter, duller green and the spines soften and spread. Ripen on the counter until soft, usually 3-5 days.
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; damaged seeds and flesh.
Organic-first treatment: Bag young fruit with mesh bags and remove fallen fruit.
Mealybugs and scale
How to identify: White cottony clusters or bumps on stems and fruit.
Organic-first treatment: Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; control ants.
Anthracnose
How to identify: Dark spots on flowers and fruit in wet weather, causing fruit drop.
Organic-first treatment: Prune for airflow and spray copper during rainy periods.
Poor fruit set
How to identify: Misshapen fruit from incomplete pollination.
Organic-first treatment: Hand-pollinate with a small brush in the morning.
FAQ
Why is my soursop misshapen? Usually incomplete pollination. Hand-pollinating helps.
Can I grow it in Central Florida? Only in a pot that can come indoors in winter.
When is soursop ripe? When it softens slightly and the spines spread apart.
Related Reading
- When to Pick Soursop
- Why Too Much Fertilizer Can Hurt Your Fruit Tree
- Cold-Hardy Fruit Trees for Florida Freezes
Ready to grow your own? Get the Soursop here.
