Cherimoya, also called the Custard Apple, is one of the most celebrated tropical fruits in the world—so much so that Mark Twain famously called it “the most delicious fruit known to men.” Native to the Andean valleys of South America, this small, semi-deciduous tree produces large, heart-shaped green fruits with soft, custard-like white flesh. The flavor is a decadent blend of banana, pineapple, strawberry, and vanilla cream. Cherimoya is cherished for fresh eating but also used in smoothies, ice creams, and desserts. With its lush foliage and prized fruit, it’s a dream tree for rare fruit collectors and permaculture gardeners.
Why Grow Cherimoya?
Produces large, sweet, custard-like fruits with a tropical, complex flavor
Considered one of the best-tasting fruits in the world
Beautiful tree with lush, semi-deciduous foliage
Excellent addition to food forests, edible landscapes, and rare fruit collections
High in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants
Growing Tips
Cherimoya thrives in full sun with protection from extreme heat and wind. Plant in rich, well-drained soil, and water regularly to keep soil evenly moist. It prefers mild subtropical climates (USDA Zones 9b–11) and is not frost-tolerant when young. In cooler climates, grow in a large container and overwinter indoors. Hand-pollination is often recommended for reliable fruit set, as natural pollinators may be limited outside its native range. Prune in late winter to shape the tree and encourage new growth. Grafted trees may produce fruit within 1-2 years, seedlings within 3-4 years.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Cherimoya has been cultivated in the Andean highlands for thousands of years, where it remains a cultural staple. The name chirimoya means “cold seeds” in Quechua, reflecting its ability to grow in cool, high-altitude valleys. Today, it’s prized worldwide for its luscious, creamy texture and complex flavor—often eaten with a spoon straight from the fruit, blended into smoothies, or made into custards, ice creams, and tropical desserts
It's doing really well. I will be transferring it to a bigger pot probably by the weekend. I wish I had a little more instructions on how to care for this variety, and what to do in the fall.
Package came delivered just like it said it would I pulled it out it looked good. I put it in some water for about a half hour and put it in my 30 gallon tub and I got three things to go with it.
Very healthy cutting. Followed the instructions and let it get acclimated to its new surroundings for a couple of weeks before repotting. Would not hesitate to purchase from this business again 😃
Plants arrived in great condition. This plant has only been in the ground about 10 days and is growing a lot. The plant cage is 12” tall so it’s doing well. I put guards around my new plants for a little while because I have bunnies who love tender young leaves.
I got 2 mystery plants (one indoor and one outdoor). The indoor was a pilea and the outdoor plant was a white blackberry. White blackberry was dramatic, but it’s making a comeback and the pilea is doing great!
Need to upgrade your packaging. I would suggest taping the plant in place in the cardboard tube on the count that it slid and smashed itself. Luckily, it's a strong plant and should recover. Hoping.for the best.
The plant arrived after a few delivery reroutes. It came with three leaves two so far are healthy one was dying and has since died. The two remaining leaves appear to be doing well.
Customer service here is second to none! Very very happy and already made another purchase. But anyway, I ordered 1 and they sent me 2 beautiful babies! I'm so excited to watch them grow!
This little guy came in perfect. Despite the cat knocking it over and being placed in the soup cup for safer keeping, it’s thriving and happy. Once it’s bigger then it will make its way outdoors.
This is my first year of ordering live plants on line. I live in an apt, but have a nice size patio to do container planting. I'm waking up my green thumb and loving it.
I am very happy for all the Butterworth I got extra like usual which was nice I put them all in pots for now I'll do my project later after they get growing thank you
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Cherimoya, also called the Custard Apple, is one of the most celebrated tropical fruits in the world—so much so that Mark Twain famously called it “the most delicious fruit known to men.” Native to the Andean valleys of South America, this small, semi-deciduous tree produces large, heart-shaped green fruits with soft, custard-like white flesh. The flavor is a decadent blend of banana, pineapple, strawberry, and vanilla cream. Cherimoya is cherished for fresh eating but also used in smoothies, ice creams, and desserts. With its lush foliage and prized fruit, it’s a dream tree for rare fruit collectors and permaculture gardeners.
Why Grow Cherimoya?
Produces large, sweet, custard-like fruits with a tropical, complex flavor
Considered one of the best-tasting fruits in the world
Beautiful tree with lush, semi-deciduous foliage
Excellent addition to food forests, edible landscapes, and rare fruit collections
High in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants
Growing Tips
Cherimoya thrives in full sun with protection from extreme heat and wind. Plant in rich, well-drained soil, and water regularly to keep soil evenly moist. It prefers mild subtropical climates (USDA Zones 9b–11) and is not frost-tolerant when young. In cooler climates, grow in a large container and overwinter indoors. Hand-pollination is often recommended for reliable fruit set, as natural pollinators may be limited outside its native range. Prune in late winter to shape the tree and encourage new growth. Grafted trees may produce fruit within 1-2 years, seedlings within 3-4 years.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Cherimoya has been cultivated in the Andean highlands for thousands of years, where it remains a cultural staple. The name chirimoya means “cold seeds” in Quechua, reflecting its ability to grow in cool, high-altitude valleys. Today, it’s prized worldwide for its luscious, creamy texture and complex flavor—often eaten with a spoon straight from the fruit, blended into smoothies, or made into custards, ice creams, and tropical desserts