John Myers
The cherimoya is also known under the names cream apple and ice cream fruit. It owes this to its creamy and sweet aroma. In our latitudes, the exotic cherimoyas can be grown in tubs if the plants are overwintered indoors.
How are cherimoyas planted?
The seeds are simply placed in small pots of potting soil and covered with a two-centimeter layer of soil.
After emergence, which can take up to two months, the plants are placed warm but not sunny.
Depending on the growth, the cherimoyas are planted in tubs after one or two years.
What soil do they thrive best in?
The cherimoya needs a few nutrients. Cactus soil is well suited. Mix simple garden soil with sand.
When is the best planting time?
Sowing takes place in winter since the fruits are then ripe and the seeds can be released for sowing.
You should plant the cherimoyas in tubs in the spring before the plant sprout.
Which location is ideal?
Young trees like it are warm but not sunny. Mature trees do best in full sun.
When can the fruits be harvested?
It takes several years before the tree develops flowers for the first time. Only then can pollination take place.
The fruits of the cherimoya are ready for harvest in late autumn to winter.
They only develop their full aroma when they are fully ripe. Then the edible skin turns brown and the flesh gives way when you press it lightly.
How does propagation take place?
Cherimoyas are self-pollinating and are propagated by seed. The rather large black seeds are simply put in a pot with potting soil.
The seeds are poisonous and must not be eaten.
Since there are no natural pollinators in our latitudes, pollination has to be done by hand:
- Brush pollen out of the male flower with a brush in the evening
- Keep brushes cool
- Transfer pollen to female flower in the morning
Tips and tricks
In the wild in South America, the fast-growing trees reach heights of up to seven meters. They don’t get that big in the bucket. Nevertheless, you have to consider the space required because you have to overwinter the non-frost-hardy plants indoors.
