Soursop, Dutch Durian, Guanabana, Prickly Custard Apple

On May 3, 2021, Chinandega81 from Miami, FL (Zone 10b) wrote:

This tree certainly grows in the Miami area but it deserves a caveat. They like acidic soils and ours is very alkaline...so they need special care to produce, rather than just to survive.

By adding compost or mulch, in addition to sea shells...and a fertilization routine, the soursop can handle our marginal climate. It does best in a full sun location protected from cold north winds in the winter (some type of large shrub or tree to the north of it can help a lot).

The problem is, this tree flowers in the winter...and in it's native range, the winter isn't occasionaly cool like it is in South Florida. So, that makes it hard for it to flower locally as it can defoliate completely if temps go below 50 a few times....which obviously doesn't allow it to flower eit... read moreher. But assuming you have it protected, and in healthy, rich, well-draining soil...it will flower. But the next challenge is that it requires some type of insect to pollinate it completely...and what we have here doesn't pollinate it in full, so the fruits that do form look warped if they manage to develop...so it requires you to finger polinate the flowers for best results.

Most people just plant and forget the Soursop in Miami and the results are trees that defoliate in the winter multiple times (they keep leafing out after each cold snap). This makes them use all their energy reserves on constant leafin out as opposed to flowering. Therefore, they don't flower heavily...and they are usually left to fend on their own in our poor, alkaline soils which they don't like...so a lot of them look sad.

They really aren't that difficult or fussy if planted in the right location in a warm spot in the yard. If you're willing to put in the effort, it is definantly worth it.

On Dec 23, 2015, Ted_B from Birmingham, AL (Zone 8a) wrote:

Many feel A. muricata produces the best tasting fruit of the genus, but unfortunately, this particular species is particularly sensitive to cold temperatures as compared to other popular Annona fruiting trees. This plant thrives in warm, humid summers, and anything less seems to bring growth to a halt. This plant has done well in a well-draining mix of sand and compost, and appreciates regular waterings. The plant succeeds in cooler climates as an overwintered container specimen so long as it is kept in a bright location or under grow lamps during winter. Bring plant inside when temperatures begin dipping to 50F (10C), and reduce watering accordingly. Many report good fruit set in this situation. Where ample fruit is desired, flowers require carefully timed hand pollination for best result... read mores, and videos can be found on the web that describe how to accomplish this effectively.