Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa)

Sourced from a rare variety of Pink Sugar Apple or as it famously known as a Sweetsop. The Pink Sugar Apple is different from the Red, Purple or Yellow variety as it is more cold tolerant, a smaller plant, sweeter in taste and has a lower seed to flesh ratio. The exquisite taste of Pink Sugar Apple is very closely related to the cherimoya. The fruit are typically baseball to softball size, and they taste like sugary sweet custard. The pulp may be eaten raw and tastes aromatic, sweet, with a custard-like flavour; it is also used to prepare juices, jellies, and compotes. The Sugar Apple is consumed as a fresh dessert fruit or used for preparing juices and ice creams.

The Pink Sugar Apple can grow to 3m high with an equal spread, and bears fruit that resemble a small pink artichoke. Cut the fruit open and you'll find white flesh with a custard like flavour. Sugar Apple can be planted in a large pot.

Sugar Apple is self-pollinated, and they are true to type. Growing sugar apple from seed typically produces fruit within 3 years. However, in NZ, with ideal conditions and the right climate it will fruit after 3+ years.

Plant Care

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
• Watering: Water frequently to maintain moist soil, especially during the growing and fruiting seasons.
• Temperature: Ideal temperatures are between 25°C and 30°C. Protect from cold drafts and frost.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Fertilising: Fertilize with a balanced NPK like 10-10-10 every three months during the growing season. Additional compost can be beneficial.
• Pruning: Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged limbs. Helps improve fruit size and quality.
• Mulching: Use organic mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
• Pest Control: Monitor for scale insects and mealybugs, treating with organic pesticides as needed.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Produces fragrant flowers, followed by large, sweet fruits that are ready to harvest when they soften and the skin turns slightly yellow.
• Potting: Suitable for large containers with good drainage. Ensure frequent watering and nutrient application.
• Feeding Regime: Additional potassium during the fruiting season enhances fruit sweetness and production.