Sweet and Juicy Red Custard Apple (Annona Squammosa Rubra) Plants for Sale
- Common name:
- Custard Apple Red, Sugar Apple Red
- Regional name:
- Marathi - Lal Sita Phal, Hindi - Lal Sita Phal, Sharifa
- Category:
- Fruit Plants, Trees, Shrubs
- Family:
- Annonaceae or Custard apple family
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1. Introduction
- Scientific Name: Annona squamosa rubra
- Common Names: Red Custard Apple, Red Sugar Apple, Red Sweetsop
- Origin: Native to Central and South America, and the Caribbean
2. Plant Description
- Appearance: Small to medium-sized evergreen tree with spreading branches
- Height: 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) tall
- Leaves: Oblong, green, and glossy, with a length of 4-8 inches (10-20 cm)
- Flowers: Solitary or in clusters, greenish-yellow or yellowish-brown, with a diameter of 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm)
- Fruit: Round or heart-shaped, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter, with a reddish-brown, segmented skin and sweet, creamy, white or light pink flesh
3. Plantation
- Climate: Tropical and subtropical regions
- Temperature: 60-90°F (15-32°C)
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, loamy, and slightly acidic soil (pH 6-6.5)
- Spacing: 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) apart
4. Growing
- Propagation: Seeds or grafting
- Germination: 2-4 weeks
- Watering: Regular watering, allowing soil to dry slightly between watering
- Fertilization: Balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied every 2-3 months during the growing season
- Pruning: Remove dead or damaged branches, and thin to allow sunlight penetration
5. Care
- Pest control: Monitor for pests such as scale insects, mealybugs, and fruit flies; use appropriate organic or chemical controls as needed
- Disease management: Proper sanitation and good air circulation can prevent fungal diseases
- Harvesting: Pick fruits when they turn from green to reddish-brown, and are slightly soft to the touch
6. Benefits
- Culinary uses: The sweet, creamy fruit can be eaten fresh or used in desserts, smoothies, and other recipes
- Medicinal properties: The leaves, bark, and seeds have various traditional medicinal uses, such as treating fever, inflammation, and digestive issues
- Ornamental value: The tree's attractive foliage and fruit make it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens
7. Additional Tips
- Pollination: Hand pollination may be necessary for higher fruit yields in areas with low pollinator populations
- Frost protection: Use frost cloth or move potted plants indoors during cold weather to protect from frost damage