The sugar apple tree is a popular fruit
tree. Its other name is Annona squamosa. It is also known as sweetsop or custard
apple. Everyone loves this fruit tree for its unique and delicious fruit. Its
fruit is creamy like the texture of custard. It originates from the West Indies
and Central America. However, the sugar apple tree is a favorite fruit tree in
tropical and subtropical gardens worldwide. With very little care, you can
plant this exotic fruit tree in your garden and after 2-3 years, you can enjoy
sugar apples from your garden. Today, in this article, I will share sugar apple
tree growing & care tips. After reading the article, you can plant a sugar
apple tree in your garden. Now let's read the article and know about sugar
apple tree growing and caring step by step.
Sugar Apple Tree
Why to Grow a Sugar Apple Tree
There are many benefits of growing a
sugar apple tree. Now, let’s know the benefits.
- Delicious Flavor: The sugar apple
is sweet. Its flesh is creamy. It is a unique fruit compared to other tropical
fruits.
- Health Benefits: This fruit is
rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. These help in digestion boost immunity
and protect against oxidative stress.
- Medicinal Uses: In traditional
medicine, various parts of the sugar apple tree - such as leaves, roots and
seeds are used. Mainly, they are used to treat illnesses including colds,
digestive problems and inflammation.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Its
beautiful white or greenish-yellow flowers are very attractive. It can be a
symbol of natural beauty in your garden.
- Natural Shade: The leaves of
the sugar apple tree are very dense. They can provide you with cool shade for
sitting or small trees.
- Drought-Tolerant: Sugar apple
trees can tolerate drought once they are grown up. They grow well with little
care.
How to Grow a Sugar Apple Tree
Choosing the Right Place
The sugar apple tree grows well in a
sunny place. So, choose a place that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per
day. Actually, adequate sunlight is essential for good growth and bumper fruit.
And, choose well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging because waterlogging can
rot the roots of the sugar apple tree.
Read more:
Planting Steps
- Soil Making: The sugar apple
tree grows well in a well-drained sandy or loamy soil. If your soil is clayey,
add sand, compost or organic manure to the soil.
- Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice
the width of the root ball of the tree and slightly deeper than the container
it came in.
- Planting the Tree: You will be
careful not to damage the roots too much. Gently remove the tree from its
container. Then place the tree in the hole. Finally, fill the hole with soil
and water it.
- Watering: Water the tree
regularly after planting to establish roots.
- Mulching: Spread a layer
of organic mulch around the base of the tree. Keep a few inches of space
between the mulch and the trunk to prevent root rot. This mulch helps retain
moisture, regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds.
Sugar Apple Tree Care Guide
Watering
Small sugar apple trees need moisture to
grow well. But once they are established, they become drought-tolerant. So,
water the trees deeply once or twice a week to keep the soil moist. But reduce
watering in the winter to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing
To keep your sugar apple trees healthy
and productive, apply a balanced fertilizer like 8-3-9 three times a year.
However, apply fertilizer in early spring, early summer and early autumn.
Apply compost fertilizer occasionally
Pruning Tips
Prune the sugar apple trees occasionally
to allow them air circulation and sunlight. In late winter or early
spring, prune dead, diseased or overgrown branches of the trees. This
pruning helps prevent fungal diseases and produces fruit.
Controlling Insects and Diseases
Usually, aphids, scale insects and fruit
flies attack sugar apple trees. To control them, apply organic
pesticides, especially neem oil or insecticidal soap to the plants and avoid
excessive watering.
When and How to Harvest Sugar Apple
Sugar apples ripen from late summer to
early autumn. So now let's see when and how to harvest sugar
apples.
- Signs of Ripeness: Sugar apples
are ready for harvest when they soften slightly and the skin of the fruits
begins to separate slightly.
- Harvesting Tips: Cut the fruit
gently from the tree with pruning scissors to avoid damage.
- Storage: Fresh sugar
apples have a short shelf life. They should be eaten within a few days of
harvesting. If you plan to store them, you can refrigerate them.
FAQs About Growing a Sugar Apple Tree
1. How long does it take for a sugar apple tree to bear fruit?
A sugar apple tree takes 2 to 3
years to bear fruit when grafted. And, it takes 3 to 5 years when sow
seeds.
2. Where can I buy a sugar apple tree?
You can buy a sugar apple tree from a
local nursery. Besides, you can also buy the sugar apple tree from online
garden stores.
3. What is a sugar apple tree?
The sugar apple tree (Annona squamosa)
is a small tropical fruit tree. Its fruit is sweet and creamy like custard.
Its taste is unique and it is full of nutrients.
4. When to pick sugar apples from the tree?
Sugar apples are usually ready to pick
when they soften slightly and the green skin begins to lighten. Usually,
they ripen in late summer to early autumn.
5. How big does a sugar apple tree get?
A sugar apple tree can grow up to 15-20
feet in height.
In conclusion, sugar apple trees are a great addition to any garden. They enhance the beauty of the garden. Their fruits are unique and incomparable and have amazing health benefits. You will be impressed by their attractive appearance. And, if you eat the sweet fruits once, you will never forget their taste in life. However, plant a sugar apple tree in your garden and care for it according to the instructions in this article. And, wait for the delicious sugar apple.
Do you want to plant a sugar apple tree
in your garden? What else do you need to know about this? If so, share it
in the comments.
Related posts:
