Custard apple tree is a plant that is found in the tropical regions. The tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and has been introduced to other parts of the world including Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. The custard apple tree is a member of the Annonaceae family and the fruit of the tree is also known as the custard apple. The scientific name of the custard apple tree is Annona reticulata. The tree grows to a height of 20-30 feet and the leaves are oblong and dark green in color. The flowers of the custard apple tree are white and the fruit is spherical in shape and has a greenish-yellow color. The fruit is soft and pulpy and has a sweet taste. The custard apple tree is grown for its fruit and the tree is also used for ornamental purposes.
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Hebe Rhubarb And Custard
About soil condition, custard apple tree need well-drained, deep and fertile soils for its growth and development. The tree is intolerant to water logging and long periods of drought. It also does not tolerate frost.
Similar to other fruit trees, custard apple trees need full sun to produce the most fruit. They will still produce fruit in partial sun, but it may not be as bountiful. If you live in an area with hot summers, you'll need to make sure your custard apple tree gets some afternoon shade to prevent the fruit from scorching.
The temperature condition necessary for a custard apple tree to bear fruit is warm weather with moderate humidity. The tree needs to be in an environment where the temperature will not drop below 60°F (15°C) for extended periods of time. If the temperature does drop below this threshold for too long, the tree will not be able to produce fruit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60% or less, so misting the leaves regularly is a good idea. The custard apple tree does not like to be waterlogged, so make sure the soil is well-draining. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.
Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant foods encourages growth by supplementing the soil with nutrients that the custard apple tree may be lacking. In terms of the roots, they are the part of the plant that takes in water and minerals from the soil and anchors the tree to the ground. A strong, healthy root system is key to the overall health and vigor of the tree.
Pruning a custard apple tree is essential to its health and vigor. It helps to remove dead or diseased branches, as well as to encourage new growth. When pruning, always make sure to use clean, sharp tools. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches, then trim back any overgrown or wayward branches. Finally, thin out the canopy to allow more light and air to reach the inner branches.
Propagation is the process of creating new custard apple trees from existing ones. This can be done through rooting cuttings or by seed. Rooting cuttings is the most common method, as it is more reliable and produces trees that are more true to type. To root a cutting, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy branch and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Water well and place in a bright, warm location. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in 4-6 weeks, roots should begin to form. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into the ground or a larger pot. To propagate by seed, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and water well. Place in a bright, warm location and keep the soil moist. Seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have 2-3 leaves, they can be transplanted into the ground or a larger pot.
Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid during the first few years after planting, with an average growth rate of about 1 meter per year. However, the growth rate will then typically slow down to about 50 centimeters per year. Custard apple trees typically reach a height of about 7 to 8 meters.
Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, aphids, and nutritional deficiencies. Caterpillars feed on the leaves, while aphids suck the sap from the stems. Both of these can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to disease. Nutritional deficiencies can make the leaves yellow and the fruit smaller.
Source:
Appletree Edu
The Native Pawpaw Tree - Penn State Extension
Effectiveness of Custard Apple (Annona squamosa) Seed Extract
