Soursop, Dutch Durian, Guanabana, Prickly Custard Apple
Annona muricata
Family: | Annonaceae |
Genus: | Annona (uh-NO-nuh) (Info) |
Species: | muricata (mur-ee-KAY-tuh) (Info) |

Category:
Trees
Water Requirements:
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Sun Exposure:
Light Shade
Foliage:
Deciduous
Foliage Color:
Height:
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)
Spacing:
15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
Seed is poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color:
White/Near White
Cream/Tan
Bloom Characteristics:
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information:
Propagation Methods:
From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel
Seed Collecting:
Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Birmingham, Alabama
Miami, Florida
Miami Beach, Florida
Mulberry, Florida
Naples, Florida
West Palm Beach, Florida
Ahuimanu, Hawaii
Heeia, Hawaii
Kaneohe, Hawaii
Waikane, Hawaii
St John, Virgin Islands
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Positive | 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. |
Positive | On Jan 10, 2016, janelp_lee from Toronto, ON (Zone 6a) wrote: The fruit is more acidic than sweet but very flavorful, the after taste is very fragrant and flavorful in the mouth! |
Positive | 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 more |
Positive | On Oct 7, 2012, sugarweed from Taylor Creek, FL (Zone 10a) wrote: This plant is touted to be a very powerful anti cancer food. |