Custard Apple Plant (Sugar Apple Plant)

The custard apple plant widely known as sitaphal or sugar apple, is a small, multi-branched tropical deciduous or semi-evergreen tree belonging to the family Annonaceae.

KEY PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

• HEIGHT: Grows up to 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet) tall.

• LEAVES: Alternate, simple, thin, and dull green.

• FLOWERS: Small, yellowish-green, fragrant, and borne singly or in short clusters.

• FRUIT: Heart-shaped or round with a knobby, scaly, or bumpy exterior, enclosing sweet, creamy, custard-like white pulp and numerous dark seeds.

GROWING CONDITIONS & CARE

• CLIMATE: Thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical dry climates; it prefers high humidity and a distinct dry period.

• SUNLIGHT: Requires full sun for optimal flowering and fruit production.

• SOIL: Prefers deep, rich, and well-drained soils, but adapts well to sandy, shallow, or rocky soils.

• WATERING: Moderate water needs; mature plants are quite drought-tolerant, though regular watering improves fruit yield.

• FRUITING TIME: Starts bearing fruit within 2 to 4 years of planting, typically blooming in spring and summer.