🌳 Custard Apple Plant – Growing & Care Guide

Custard Apple is a sweet, creamy tropical fruit plant widely grown in India. It is known for its soft, aromatic pulp and strong market demand in fresh fruit markets.

Botanical name: Annona squamosa

🌱 Growing Instructions

Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Tolerates dry and semi-arid conditions.

Temperature: Ideal range 20°C–35°C.

Soil: Well-drained sandy loam or light soil. Avoid heavy clay and waterlogging.

Sunlight: Requires full sunlight (6–8 hours daily).

Planting Distance: 4–6 meters apart.

Watering: Moderate watering. Avoid excess water during flowering.

Best Planting Time: July–September or February–March.

Fruiting Time: Begins fruiting in 2–3 years (grafted plants may fruit earlier).

🌿 Care Instructions

Fertilizer: Apply organic compost twice yearly. Add balanced NPK before flowering for better fruit set.

Pruning: Light pruning after harvest improves next season’s yield.

Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.

Pollination: Hand pollination can improve fruit size and yield.

Pest Control: Watch for mealybugs and fruit borers. Neem oil spray is effective for prevention.

🍈 Uses of Custard Apple

Eaten fresh as table fruit

Used in milkshakes, ice creams, and desserts

Rich in natural sugars, Vitamin C, and fiber

Provides energy and supports immunity

Suitable for commercial farming due to good seasonal demand