How to Grow Custard Apple in Australia
A warm-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing your own Custard Apple is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$5-15/fruit, premium-priced exotic fruit that grows very well in SEQ.
This guide covers when to plant Custard Apple in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Custard Apple is a warm-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Custard Apple full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It needs an open garden bed rather than a pot, getting too big or deep-rooted for containers.
Planting
Plant Custard Apple into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 600 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Atemoya (African Pride) is the commercial variety, creamy, sweet, less seeds. Hand pollinate for best fruit set. Subtropical gem that thrives in SEQ hinterland zones.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 10 L per plant every 5 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Mealybug and Fruit fly. The main diseases to watch are Anthracnose and Root rot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Custard Apple is typically ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Bench until completely soft (2 to 5 days after picking), then fridge for 1 to 2 days.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, custard apple is good scooped fresh and eaten chilled, blended into smoothies and ice cream, added to tropical fruit salads and made into custard apple sorbet. Nutritionally: creamy, nutrient-dense fruit and good source of vitamins and minerals.
Track Your Custard Apple Growing
Add custard apple to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Custard Apple in Australia?
Custard Apple is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Custard Apple take to grow?
Custard Apple is generally ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Custard Apple in a pot?
It is best grown in an open garden bed rather than a pot, needing more root room than a container gives.
How much sun does Custard Apple need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Custard Apple in the Plant Library
