Taste of the tropics!

Cherimoya (pronounced "chair-ih-moy-ah") is considered one of the most delicious fruits in the world!  Most people who try a Cherimoya love it.  It sort of has the taste and texture of tropical ice cream!  The fruits weigh from 1 to 4 pounds and the trees are very productive.  The main reason you don't see Cherimoyas in stores much is because they don't ship well -- and maybe because of the strange name?  It's certainly not the prettiest fruit in the world, but hidden under the lumpy skin is a divine delight.  If you've never tasted the sweet, creamy, sprightly flavor of a Cherimoya, you are in for a real treat!

Cherimoya (Annona cherimola) is a sub-tropical fruit from the Andes mountains, where temperatures are mild and nights are cool.  It resents very hot temperatures, particular when nights are warm.  Adult plants can survive 26-27 degrees F. when mature, while young plants need a minimum of 31-32 degrees F.  In the right environment, it is a fast-growing, easy-to-grow tree that can produce fruit as soon as 3 years.  It can be grown in a large container, and also in a cool greenhouse - simply prune it short if it grows too tall.  It does well in part shade.  Give it some afternoon shade in warmer conditions.  It's self-fruitful, so you only need one tree to make fruit!  Seedlings generally produce good-quality fruits, so grafted cultivars aren't necessary.

Photos courtesy of Hanns Grobe, Bob Ryskamp, and Akos Kokai

Unfortunately, fake Cherimoya seeds have been appearing from China.  I guarantee that my seeds and plants are genuine!

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Detailed growing tips about this plant