How to Plant a Soursop

Soursop (Annona muricata) is also known as Brazilian pawpaw and prickly custard apple. In the United States, the soursop tree is only hardy in the southern tip of Florida and Hawaii. The fruit has a leathery prickly skin that has to be removed before eating. The white flesh is used to make candy and smooth cream. Soursop needs to grow where the air temperature is constantly warm; it can grow to heights of 25 to 30 feet. Soursop needs warmth, humidity and lots of water, but it cannot live in standing water.

Spade or shovel
Compost
10-10-10 fertilizer
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Examine your yard to find a location with full sun exposure. Plant the soursop in the spring.
- 2
  Dig a hole that is two to three times the diameter of the soursop's root ball. Keep the depth of the root ball the same as the root ball. Scuff the sides and bottom of the planting hole with the edge of your shovel or spade to loosen the soil.
- 3
  Amend the removed soil with 2 inches of compost. The compost adds nutrients to the soil and helps with drainage.
- 4
  Fill the hole with water and wait for the water to drain into the soil naturally.
- 5
  Insert the root ball into the center of the planting hole. Fill the planting hole in with amended soil around the root ball. Tamp the soil around the root ball.
- 6
  Water the soursop thoroughly. Keep the area watered so the soil is always moist, but not soggy.
- 7
  Feed your soursop with 10-10-10 fertilizer. Mix and apply according to label directions.
- 8
  Place a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the soursop tree. Keep the mulch 2 inches away from the trunk of the tree. If the mulch is placed against the bark of the tree, the trunk is more susceptible to disease, bugs and rot.

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