Annona cherimola

Annona cherimola, Cherimoya or Custard Apple is relatively well-known for its fruits but rarely seen in the UK as a plant. Endemic to the northwestern countries of South America where it grows on upland forest slopes to altitudes of around 2400m above sea level, Annona cherimola prefers the somewhat cooler and drier conditions found at these elevations. It is widely naturalised throughout South America and is cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics. It grows and fruits successfully in southern Mediterranean countries but its cold tolerance is tested by sub-zero temperatures and although mature trees will survive to brief periods to about -3°C it really needs to be kept frost-free. In the UK, this means growing it in an ornamental container outside during the warmer months and bringing it indoors for the winter. A conservatory is ideal but any well-lit frost-free area will suffice.

Annona cherimola enjoys a rich, fertile soil that is well-drained. During its outdoor summer spell, keep it well-watered and fed regularly with a liquid fertiliser in a warm, sheltered partially shaded aspect. During the winter months, keep it dryish as it enjoys several months of dormancy before slowly starting to water it again from late February or early March, increasing the water through the spring, then moving it outdoors in late May or June after the frosts.

Will it fruit for you? Probably not, but it's worth a serious attempt if you have a conservatory.