How To Grow Guyabano

Posted by Lenith on Monday, December 16, 2013 in How To Grow Guyabano | No comments

Guyabano or soursop in English (Anona muricata Linn.) is a small tree about 5 to 7 meters in height. The leaves are alternate, oval in shape, pointed at both ends, smooth and shining, 7 to 20 centimeters long and with petioles about 5 millimeters long. The flowers are large, yellowish or greenish yellow and solitary. There are six large, fleshy or leathery petals in two series. They are heart-shaped, with pointed tip, and up to 5 centimeters in length and 3 centimeters in breadth. In the center of the flower is a cone-shaped mass of many carpels which will form the fruit, and below this are very numerous stamens.

A native of tropical America, was introduced into the Philippines at an early date and is now cultivated in all parts of the Archipelago.

Guyabano is a green, soft spine, pea-shaped fruit with a sweet-sour flavor. It weighs about two to five kilos. The skin is thin and its flesh is a white, soft fibrous pulp which has a very agreeable flavor but rather sour. Its mature, green fruit is used as vegetable and made into sweet meats, while the ripe fruit is eaten raw or for dessert.

A lot of concoctions can be made into guyabano like delicious sherbets, ice drops and fruit drinks. An assortment of punch and cocktail drinks can be made by mixing the nectar with wine rum or cola drinks or buko (fresh coconut) juice and ice.    

How To Grow Guyabano

Guyabano Seedlings

Grow your guyabano tree in a warm, sunny location that is free of frost and cool drafts. Choose a southern location that provides protection from high winds while providing at least 10 hours of full sunlight. Ensure that you choose a location with well-drained, nutrient-rich soils.

Plant multiple guyabano trees at least 12 feet apart to allow ample room for growth and development. Dig a planting hole that is just slightly larger than the width and depth of the root ball. Fill the hole to the top, before planting the tree, with tepid water. Position the soursop tree in the center of the hole and backfill the hole so that the planting surface is slightly elevated from the surrounding surface.
       
Irrigate the guyabano tree deeply and infrequently to maintain a slightly dry soil. Increase watering during the hot, dry summer periods to prevent the complete drying of the soil.

Line the base of the guyabano tree with a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch. Keep the mulch at least 1 foot from the base of the trunk to prevent trunk rot and extend the mulch under the entire canopy of the tree. Replenish the mulch throughout the growing season to maintain a constant, protective layer.

Feed your soursop tree regularly throughout the growing season. Use a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 combination. Apply the fertilizer monthly at a rate of about 1 to 2 lb. of feed per tree.

Allow the young guyabano tree at least three to five years to develop its first set of fruit. Expect continuous fruit development from this evergreen tree after the first fruits are produced.

Harvest the guyabano fruit when it becomes firm and displays a slightly yellow-green complexion. Handle with care as it bruises easily. Store the fruit in a cool, dry environment, such as a refrigerator or cool cabinet. Use the fruit within one week of harvesting for best results.