Native & adapted

Atemoya

Annona × atemoya

Also known as Custard apple · Annona · Na Đài Loan

A cross between cherimoya and sugar apple with large, custardy fruit that tastes of pineapple and vanilla. The hardiest of the annonas and a strong performer in Phoenix.

EdibleFruitingSemi-deciduousContainer friendly

Landscape layersLower canopy

Mature size

10–15 ft tall and 10–15 ft wide

Climate fit

Urban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b

Plant spacing

12 ft from other trees

Frost

Young trees damaged near 30°F; established trees survive brief dips to about 28°F.

Special categories

EDIBLE

Hardiness guidance

USDA 10–11; young trees damaged near 30°F

Winter chill

None

Typical harvest

Late summer through fall. Pick when the skin turns pale yellow-green between segments, then ripen indoors.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Fast-draining soil rich in compost. Phoenix soil is alkaline, so work in soil sulfur and organic matter and use chelated iron if new leaves turn yellow between the veins.

Required microclimate

Placement is part of the growing system.

Warm, wind-sheltered spot with afternoon shade.

Cold hardiness

Cover while young

Hardier than sugar apple thanks to its cherimoya parent: young trees are damaged or killed at 28 to 29°F, but mature trees take short dips to 24 to 26°F. Cover young trees on frost nights, and established trees only in low spots during a hard freeze.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 29°F

Heat tolerance

Shade from late-afternoon sun

Grows best between about 72 and 90°F and wants 70% humidity at bloom, so Phoenix's dry air cuts fruit set and hand pollinating in the morning helps a lot. Shelter it from hot wind and give afternoon shade in the hottest spots.

Sources:

edis.ifas.ufl.edu , hort.purdue.edu

Right plant, right place

Will Atemoya grow at your Arizona property?

Grafted trees fruit in 1 to 2 years. Works in a large container.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Morning sun with afternoon shade from June through September, such as the east side of a house or under a taller nurse tree. Protect from frost on winter nights.

Water

Irrigation

Moderate in the growing season; reduce sharply when it drops leaves in late winter.

Fruit set

Pollination

Flowers are poorly pollinated by insects here. Hand pollinate with a small brush for a good crop.

Harvest

How to use it

Chill and eat with a spoon. Seeds are toxic and should not be eaten.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Atemoya thrive

1
Hand pollinate flowers in late spring and early summer.
2
Let it drop leaves and rest in late winter; water lightly then.
3
Prune in late winter to keep it small.
4
Shade from afternoon sun in summer.

Read the horticultural reference ↗