Light. Plant in full sun, in a warm spot that does not stay wet after summer rain.
Water. Water during dry spells, especially from bloom through fruit growth. Cut back in fall and stop once most leaves drop; winter overwatering causes root rot.
Soil and feeding. Sandy and limestone soils work if well drained; it will not take flooding. Feed young trees every 6–8 weeks in the growing season with Citrus and Fruit Tree Fertilizer.
Size. Kept to about 15 ft with pruning; unpruned trees can reach 30 ft. Plant 25–30 ft from buildings and power lines.
Pruning. Prune in early spring before new growth, removing about a third of last year's growth to keep fruit low.
Problems to watch. The Annona seed borer ruins fruit; bag young fruit in paper bags. Hand-pollinate flowers in the morning with a small brush to improve fruit set.
Good to know. Young trees are damaged around 28–29°F. Pick fruit only when mature and let it soften at room temperature.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS HS64: Atemoya Growing in the Florida Home Landscape
