Annona cherimola, Cherimoya, huge fruit, exotic tropical fruit, 10 fresh seeds Oct-Nov "24. Limited quantity available!

The cherimoya, also known as chirimoya, is a fruit from the Annona family, which includes sweetsop and soursop. It's believed to be native to Ecuador and Peru, but some think it might actually come from Central America, where many of its wild relatives grow.

Cherimoya is grown in tropical and subtropical areas around the world, including Central America, northern South America, Southern California, South Asia, Australia, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. Writer Mark Twain called it "the most delicious fruit known to man." Its creamy texture has also earned it the nickname custard apple.

Germination method

Plant your seeds as soon as you get them.

Cherimoya seeds can have a tough outer shell, so to help them sprout, I recommend using a large toenail clipper to trim off about 2 mm at a few spots around the seed to expose the inside slightly. You don’t need to go all the way around. If the edges are too thick to clip, you can gently crack the seed with a nutcracker. The embryo inside is well-protected and can usually handle this treatment.

Next, soak the seeds in room temperature water for about 24 hours, but no longer than 48. Use a soil mix that drains well, like combining 2 parts quality potting soil with 1 part perlite or coarse sand.

Cherimoya seedlings need a tall container to prevent the taproot from growing crooked, which can stunt their growth. Plant them about 2 cm deep in a container that’s at least 10-12 cm tall, and water until the soil is moist but not soggy. Keep the temperature between 18-25°C and avoid letting it go above 27°C for long periods. Ensure they have good air circulation.

They should start sprouting in about 4-6 weeks. Begin with filtered sunlight or 1-2 hours of direct sun, but shield them from strong afternoon rays. Water as needed to keep the soil moist but not overly saturated. Once the seedlings have three leaves, gently move them to a taller pot and shift them to bright shade for a week. If the weather is mild, you can take them outside. Gradually increase their sunlight exposure each day until they receive 1/2 day of sun after about 4-5 months. Young cherimoyas prefer partial shade.

Make sure to protect your plants from frost, especially when they are young, as they can’t survive temperatures below -2 to -3°C.