Annona cherimola CHERIMOYA (5 seeds)

Cherimoya, also known as Custard Apple, is a fast-growing, non-hardy exotic plant belonging to the Annonaceae family. It is a fruit tree that reaches 6 meters in height, native to South America and now commonly found in Southern Europe.

Its leaves are a deep, shiny green, generally measuring between 10 and 20 centimeters long. They have an elliptical shape and a smooth texture with slightly wavy edges. The leaves are arranged alternately along the branches, creating dense foliage that provides pleasant shade.

The flowers are both elegant and exotic. They appear in small clusters, measuring about 5 to 8 centimeters in diameter. Each flower is composed of three outer petals that are greenish-yellow and three inner petals, which are often darker and slightly hairy. The flowers emit a sweet fragrance, attracting various pollinators, including bees and insects.

The fruits, known as cherimoyas, are fleshy berries shaped like a heart or an apple, measuring between 10 and 20 centimeters long, closely resembling the soursop. Their skin is green when immature, turning brownish or yellow at maturity, often with a rough and scaly texture. Inside, the flesh is creamy, soft, fragrant, and sweet, offering unique flavors.

Cherimoya seeds from the Annona cherimola are smooth, shiny, and relatively large, measuring 1 cm in length by 0.5 cm in width, and are brown in color.

- Properties and Uses:

It is mainly appreciated for its unique flavor in cooking. Its white and creamy flesh, which resembles a mixture of banana, strawberry and pineapple, is eaten raw with a small spoon.

It is also processed into sorbets, smoothies or delicate mousses, bringing a tropical touch and a velvety texture to desserts without requiring the addition of fat.

In terms of health and nutrition, this fruit is an important source of fiber. It is used to facilitate digestion. In some cultures, the leaves of the tree are infused for their therapeutic properties.

- Sowing and Germination:

• Begin by soaking the cherimoya seeds for 6 hours in warm water before sowing to accelerate germination.
• Sow each seed separately in pre-moistened peat pots.
• Water the culture gently.
• Place them in a greenhouse at a temperature of at least 35°C.
• Germination generally takes 3 to 6 weeks.

- Soil and Substrate:

The cherimolier prefers a soil rich in humus and organic matter while being well-draining. An ideal mix could include garden soil, homemade compost, and volcanic rock (pozzolana) to ensure good aeration of the substrate and avoid water accumulation. A slightly acidic pH is recommended for optimal development.

- Exposure:

This tropical plant thrives under bright light conditions. It enjoys a very sunny exposure but can benefit from some shade during the hottest hours of the day.

- Temperature and Hardiness:

It is sensitive to extreme temperatures. It prefers to grow in temperatures between 18 and 25°C. Below 10°C, the plant may suffer, and if the temperature drops below 5°C, it can lead to irreversible damage. It is therefore important to protect it from frost and cold drafts.

- Watering and Water Needs:

Regular watering is essential for the healthy growth of the plant, especially during the active growth period. The soil should be kept slightly moist without being waterlogged. It is recommended to water when the surface layer of the soil is dry to the touch. In winter, the frequency of watering can be reduced as the plant enters a dormant phase.

- Propagation:

Its primary mode of reproduction is by seed, but it can also be propagated by woody stem cuttings during the summer.