Annona cherimola

The Cherimoya is an intriguing fruit native to the temperate regions of the Andes mountains, where it is sometimes also known as Custard Apple or Bullock’s Heart. This delicious fruit is closely related to the Sugar Apple, Soursop, and the American Pawpaw, all of which are cherished for their fresh fruit. Cherimoya are infamous for their incredible sweet and creamy flavor, but are notorious for their rarity in grocery stores and supermarkets due to their poor ability to ship and hold fresh for any length of time. Simply put, the best way to enjoy a Cherimoya is right off the tree!

Growing up to 20 feet high and 12 feet wide, the Cherimoya makes a very ornamental small tree in the garden, having very large, round leaves and a distinctive umbrella shaped branching habit. Cherimoya trees are deciduous in cold-winter climates but often remain evergreen when temperatures stay above freezing. Plants are easy to care for and are can be quick growing if fertilized regularly.

Cold hardy to USDA Zone 9a and above, or to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.