Soursop
Annona muricata
Soursop is a small evergreen tree with large, spiny green fruit whose creamy white pulp tastes like a mix of pineapple and strawberry. It grows well in warm, humid places such as Kerala and coastal Karnataka.
Photo: Damien Boilley from suburbs of Paris, France · CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, Partial sun
Watering
Moderate
Water regularly; avoid waterlogging, which causes root rot.
Soil
Deep, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; pH 5.5–6.5.
Temperature and humidity
12–38 °C · High humidity
Feeding
Feed every three months with compost and a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by seed, grafting
Prune lightly to keep the tree low and open.
The pulp is safe in normal amounts. Seeds are toxic and must not be eaten, and very frequent consumption of the fruit or leaf tea is not advised.
Top Cultivation Tips
Hand-pollinate for better fruit shape.
Pick when the skin turns lighter and slightly soft.
Shelter from strong winds.
Seedlings fruit in 3–4 years.
Common problems
Anthracnose
A fungal disease that causes dark, sunken spots on leaves, flowers and fruit, especially mango, chilli and papaya.
How to treat it →PestFruit flies
Flies that lay eggs inside ripening fruit; the maggots rot the fruit from within.
How to treat it →PestMealybugs
White, cottony insects that hide in leaf joints and under leaves, weakening plants and spreading easily to neighbours.
How to treat it →
