Sugar apple (anon) is a small, easy tree with bumpy green fruit full of sweet, custardy white flesh. It is perfect for small South Florida yards. (Annona squamosa)
Shop this plant: Sugar Apple / Anon Plant 18"-24" / 1 Gal
Quick Care Summary
- Sun: Full sun.
- Soil: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy and rocky alkaline soil.
- Watering: Regular water while flowering and fruiting.
Sun
Full sun.
Soil
Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy and rocky alkaline soil. Hates standing water.
Watering
Regular water while flowering and fruiting. Reduce water in winter when the tree goes semi-dormant and drops leaves.
Fertilizer Schedule for South Florida
Balanced fertilizer with minor elements every 2 months March-September; none in winter.
Pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth. Keep it 8-12 ft and open in the center.
Cold Protection
Damaged below about 30°F. Its winter leaf drop helps it handle cool weather.
Container vs. In-Ground
Does well in a 15-25 gallon pot.
Spacing
10-15 ft apart.
Flowering and Fruiting Timeline
Often fruits in 1-3 years. Flowers in spring; fruit ripens late summer through fall.
Harvest
Pick when the segments separate slightly and the creases turn creamy-yellow. Ripen at room temperature for 1-3 days until soft.
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 fruit with mesh bags; remove fallen fruit.
Mealybugs
How to identify: White cottony clusters on fruit and stems.
Organic-first treatment: Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; control ants.
Fruit cracking
How to identify: Splitting fruit after heavy rain.
Organic-first treatment: Water consistently and pick fruit as soon as it's mature.
Anthracnose
How to identify: Dark spots on fruit.
Organic-first treatment: Prune for airflow; copper spray in wet periods.
FAQ
Why does my sugar apple lose its leaves in winter? Normal semi-dormancy; leaves return in spring.
Is it self-fruitful? Yes, though hand-pollinating increases fruit set.
Why does my fruit split? Irregular watering or heavy rain on ripe fruit.
Related Reading
- Sugar Apple Care Calendar for Miami
- Why Too Much Fertilizer Can Hurt Your Fruit Tree
- Cold-Hardy Fruit Trees for Florida Freezes
Ready to grow your own? Get the Sugar Apple (Anon) here.
