{"product_id":"pink-custard-apple-tree","title":"Pink Custard Apple Tree (Annona reticulata)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePink Custard Apple Tree – A Taste of the Caribbean\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBring a familiar island favorite to your garden with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePink Custard Apple Tree\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Its rosy fruit and soft, creamy flesh offer the simple pleasure of a tropical dessert picked from your own tree.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor anyone who remembers enjoying custard apples back home—or wants to discover them for the first time—this tree brings something special to a backyard orchard or food forest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruit Taste \u0026amp; Texture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRipe custard apple has sweet, cream-white flesh with a custard-like texture. Depending on the tree and ripeness, the pulp may be slightly grainy rather than completely smooth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnjoy it fresh with a spoon, chilled, or added to smoothies and frozen desserts after removing every seed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Eat only the ripe flesh. Discard the skin, fibrous core, and seeds. The seeds are not edible and must not be crushed or blended into food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruit Size \u0026amp; Appearance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe fruit is often heart-shaped, although shape varies. Its skin develops a pink, red, or reddish-brown blush, with a subtle network of markings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Pink Custard Apple” refers to the fruit’s exterior color and does not indicate pink flesh or a confirmed named cultivar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTree Size \u0026amp; Growth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCustard apple develops a rounded or spreading canopy. Unpruned trees can reach approximately 16–33 feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllow room for mature growth and harvesting access. This is not identified as a dwarf selection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tree may shed leaves seasonally, particularly during cooler weather.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePink Custard Apple Tree Care\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Choose a sunny planting site, acclimating nursery plants gradually if they have been grown under shade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Provide good drainage and soil that retains useful moisture without remaining waterlogged.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Monitor moisture while establishing and during active growth. Avoid prolonged drying, especially while fruit develops. Adjust watering to rainfall and soil conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMulching:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Apply organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Follow an appropriate fruit-tree fertilizer label and consider soil testing before adding extra nutrients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Shape the canopy for access and balanced growth. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCold Protection:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Protect young trees from frost and freezing temperatures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePest Monitoring:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Inspect developing fruit regularly. Remove damaged or decaying fruit and seek identification before choosing a treatment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing in Palm Bay, Florida\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose a warm, sheltered location and prepare for winter protection. A favorable microclimate can reduce exposure, but tropical trees can still suffer damage during cold events.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAsk us about your space, drainage, and winter conditions before choosing a planting location.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvest Season \u0026amp; Harvest Planner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeneral Florida harvest guide: approximately November–May.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis broad window describes custard apple as a species. It is not a guarantee that one tree will produce throughout those months, or a confirmed schedule for this pink selection in Palm Bay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the Harvest Planner, use the following provisional months:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNovember, December, January, February, March, April, May\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLabel the timing as approximate and refine it using local harvest observations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWait until fruit is properly mature and allow it to soften before eating. Exterior color alone does not establish eating readiness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlan Your Harvest Before You Plant.™\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCustard apple can be worth considering when planning beyond summer fruit harvests. Compare its approximate season with your other trees rather than choosing every plant for the same harvest period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMy Food Forest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e to record your tree’s flowering, ripening, and harvest dates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow what you eat. Eat what you grow.™\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Growing Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetail\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInformation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon name\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePink Custard Apple\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBotanical name\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnnona reticulata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFamily\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnnonaceae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther name\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBullock’s Heart\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePink\/red-fruited form; cultivar not confirmed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruit exterior\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePink to reddish-brown\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlesh\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCream-white, soft, custard-like\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlavor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSweet; varies between trees\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant type\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTropical fruit tree; may lose leaves seasonally\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature height\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 16–33 feet unpruned\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSunlight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSunny location\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMoisture-retentive, well-drained\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMonitor during establishment and active growth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeneral Florida harvest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately November–May\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCold protection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant for young trees\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTime to fruit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDepends on propagation, maturity, and conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePropagation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConfirm for available nursery stock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest for\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProtected tropical gardens, orchards, and food forests\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct offered\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLive tree; image shows mature fruit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs Pink Custard Apple the same as pink sugar apple?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis listing is for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnnona reticulata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Sugar apple is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnnona squamosa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Common names overlap, so the botanical name is useful when comparing plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs the flesh pink?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe pink\/red coloration refers to the skin. The flesh is generally cream-white.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat does custard apple taste like?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRipe fruit has sweet flesh with a custard-like consistency. Texture and flavor vary between selections and growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen does custard apple ripen in Florida?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe general estimated window is November through May. Your tree may have a shorter season, and Palm Bay timing can differ.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan I grow it in Central Florida?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose a protected location and plan for cold protection. Suitability depends on your property’s winter temperatures and microclimate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow do I eat custard apple?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllow mature fruit to soften, then scoop out the ripe flesh. Discard the skin, core, and all seeds before eating or blending.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAre the seeds edible?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo. Do not eat, chew, or blend the seeds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs this a grafted tree?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheck the product option or contact us. Propagation method should only be stated when confirmed for the available stock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow soon will it produce fruit?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBearing time depends on propagation method, plant maturity, establishment, and growing conditions. Contact us for details about the plants currently available.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs local pickup available?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Contact The Island Gardeners to confirm availability and arrange pickup in Palm Bay, Florida.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Island Gardeners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45803087626429,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/2801\/5293\/files\/The_island_gardeners_red_custard_apple.webp?v=1760904916","url":"https:\/\/theislandgardeners.com\/products\/pink-custard-apple-tree","provider":"The Island Gardeners","version":"1.0","type":"link"}