How to grow Custard Apple in Australia
Plant custard apple in full sun in deep, free-draining soil in a frost-free, sheltered spot. Water regularly while young and through fruiting, easing off in cool weather, and mulch well.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 10 litres a week, watered every 5 days
- Spacing: 600 cm
- Time to harvest: 730 days (about 2 years)
- Time to germinate: 21 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | September to February | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to February | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | October to January | Marginal. Plant Oct to Jan in the warmest sheltered coastal spot. African Pride is the variety that crops furthest south; frost in the west kills young trees. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | Not suited | Marginal; requires 200+ frost-free days and protected microclimate. Melbourne's short warm season and frost risk (May to Sept) too severe. |
| Adelaide & SA | Not suited | Mediterranean: unsuitable. Custard Apple/Sugar Apple requires subtropical warmth. Outside Mediterranean range. |
| Perth & WA | Not suited | Mediterranean: unsuitable. Custard Apple/Sugar Apple requires subtropical warmth. Outside Mediterranean range. |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. Needs a long warm frost-free season. Not viable in Tasmania. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Custard Apple unsuitable for Canberra: tropical; frost-intolerant; marginal even in northern NSW. Not viable. |
| North Queensland | September to February | Wet season Sep to Feb. Custard apple (sugar apple) is tropical staple fruit; thrives in heat. |
| Darwin & Top End | September to February | Wet season Sep to Feb. Custard apple (sugar apple) is tropical staple fruit; thrives in heat. |
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick when the fruit lightens in colour and gives slightly to gentle pressure, then ripen indoors until soft. Clip with the stalk attached to avoid bruising.
Storage
Bench until completely soft (2 to 5 days after picking), then fridge for 1 to 2 days.