It is in the same genus, Annona, as cherimoya and is in the Annonaceae family. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to growing your own soursop tree, from selecting the right location to harvesting your fruit. The links take you to source where you can by the supplies: When soursop fruit is still firm and yellow-green in color, you can harvest it. Soursop leavesare hand picked from legacy graviola trees and air dried. Q: Whats the best fertilizer for soursop? Many kinds of fruit can be grown successfully in the Florida home garden, including temperate fruits in the northern part of the state and tropical and subtropical fruits in the southern part of the state. So far I plan on going to Brooker Creek, as well as some other preserves nearby. April 29, 2021, 8 ways to enjoy soursopfruit powder In Florida, the soursop has been grown to a limited extent for possibly 110 years. . We know of a few soursop trees located around South Florida, and the ones closer to the water always fruit the most. Soursop seeds are about 3/4 inch and are brown. It also will grow in Hawaii. The soil should be rich in organic matter, such as compost or manure, and free from rocks and debris. Sugar apple have complete flowers; however, the male and female flower parts are functional at different times of the day (called protandry) (Table 4). The collected flower may be placed on paper where the anthers (male flower parts) are allowed to dehisce (release pollen). Many areas in Florida have sandy soil. Drought Stress: Sugar apple trees may withstand prolonged dry soil conditions, but do so by reduced growth and shedding leaves to the detriment of fruit development. Fruit should be picked at the mature stage and allowed to ripen (soften) at room temperature before being refrigerated. It is usually impossible to determine what the original plant material was. The soursop is about 3 years old now and is already budding. Ripe sugar apple may only be stored for 2 to 4 days. Southern Texas and southern Arizona also match this criteria. December 15, 2020, Gfruit availablity on Amazon ends, instead try these Hope this helps! Grenada is completely surrounded by water, making it an ideal climate for soursop to grow. Natural fruit set ranges from near zero to about 3%, and fruit production may be severely limited by poor fruit set and fruit shape. The research team offers their experience and accurate reviews of on the internet. However, during the early spring of the following year either trees should be cut back to force branching along the main trunk, or selective branches should be headed back and others cut out completely to encourage the formation of evenly spaced branches with wide branch to trunk crotch angles. Practice good sanitation by removing fallen leaves and fruit. Planting Soursop (Annona muricata) Soursop trees can be grown from seed but are often grafted onto a rootstock for improved disease resistance and fruit quality. Widening the mulch application area to 5 feet as the trees root system expands. My soursop seeds germinated and is growing pretty fast. These trees are about 7 feet tall and in the ground, so I cannot bring them in, but I can cover them with blankets. Sugar apple trees are well-adapted to most well-drained soil types, including the sands and limestone based soils of south Florida. Symptoms of flooding stress include leaf chlorosis (yellowing), stunted leaf and shoot growth, leaf wilting and browning, leaf drop, stem dieback, and tree death. Soursop fruit grows best in warm, sunny climates with nutrient-rich soils and good drainage. On the outside, the fruit resembles an oversized avocado if the avocado were covered with prickly spikes. Fertilizer should be applied to the area directly under the tree canopy, all the way to its edge or slightly beyond. Guanabana trees require full sunlight to part shade to thrive, so choosing a spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is essential. I think multiple freezes would kill the buds and prevent regrowth. Dry Fruit Rot. Frequent applications of small amounts of nitrogen-containing fertilizer and watering during the growing season when there are prolonged dry periods is recommended (Table 2). the second, and 3 pounds (1.4 kg.) Error message | View complete answer on https://fooddrinkdestinations.com. MELBOURNE, Fla. - Violent storms and severe hail caused heavy damage in parts of Central Florida. The larva develops inside and the adult emerges, ruining the fruit in the process. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control pests if necessary. We have threeways to get the fresh soursop fruit to you in Florida: 1) We harvest it in Miami on Sundays and pack it for shipment via FedEx 1 day or 2 day. Just for the first about 2 years bring it in once temperatures drop below mid forties, once the seed is rooted and sprouting plant it in a big pot, one in which you can put clear saran wrap over and tie down. At this stage the color of the fruit loses its shine and turn yellowish green. This is due in part to the absence of their natural nitidulid beetle pollinators in some areas and/or a lack of sufficient pollination during flowering. However, this may not be feasible for you if you are a small farmer. South Florida's warm subtropical environment is very marginal for cocoa growing, and plants may be damaged or killed during prolonged cool or brief freezing temperatures. Fruit may be available through midwinter if no frost occurs and leaves remain on the trees. The suspect, 38-year-old Francisco Oropeza, has been at large . Trees like all living things are susceptible to diseases. Choose a site 15 to 30 feet from other trees, structures, and powerlines. In general, about one third of the previous year's vegetative growth should be removed during early spring (February/March) as trees commence bud break. A: Yes, soursop trees can be grown in containers, but they may not grow as large or produce as much fruit as trees planted in the ground. Some soursops have a golden color, known as the golden soursop, and others are known for having no fiber. TKO FARMS, INC 15991 Red Hill,Suite 220 Tustin, CA 92780, Phone: (714) 259-0686Email: info@tkofarms.com, About BelizeHistoryCultureClimateEconomyInvesting. Sugar apple flowers first open during the day and the female parts are receptive to pollen (female stage); early the next morning the flowers open wider and shed pollen (male stage). Soursop trees require regular watering, especially during dry periods. Lowes or H. Depot (I forget which) was selling these last spring in NE FL in gallon pots for only something like $15. Staking the tree with a wooden or bamboo stake is optional. Elliott, Stuart and Mohawk are all type 2 pecans. March 11, 2021, Nine fun and delicious ways to enjoy soursoptea Apply fertilizer in a three-foot-diameter circle around the tree. Unlike most fruit trees, this one is usually grown from seed. Because a mango or annona survive 2 or 3 years outside of a warmer climate does not mean they will survive long term. Keep the soil moist to the touch. Together we grow 1 mexican mango, 5 papayas, jackfruit trees sporadically around my yard (that one has been interesting and fast), 2 tamarind trees, a pride of barbados, giant bottle brush tree, bananas (easy), purple passionfruit and the yellow ones grow wild around here along the creeks, hopefully a banana passionfruit soon, and even soursop. Green or red type sugar apples are recommended for the home landscape. Mechanical damage to the trunk of the tree will weaken the tree and if severe enough, can cause dieback or kill the tree. Soursop is just another name for the Annona Muricata or Guanabana. Select a part of the landscape away from other trees, buildings and structures, and power lines. The flower can grow from branches or even the trunk of the soursop. We live in Central Florida, zone 9b but there are times the temps get down to 30. This will create a rainforest style climate during the colder months. Soursop trees also benefit significantly from monthly foliar sprays, which help them absorb essential nutrients through their leaves. Thanks. Definitely don't use the sprinklers haha, just reading that terrified me haha. However, this may not be feasible for you if you are a small farmer. However, foliar applications of zinc, manganese, and magnesium are more efficacious for trees growing in highly calcareous with a high-pH (78.5). Cover the base of the plant with soil. You will also need to dig holes, which have a width of 50 cm and are at least 50 cm deep. Soursop can be a difficult Annona to grow in South Florida. The seeds and the skin of the soursop fruit contain small amounts of Annonacin, which can be toxic to humans if consumed in large quantities so its advised never to consume the skin or the seeds of the soursop fruit. Soursop trees require well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5-6.5. Strong winds along with heavy crop loads may result in limb breakage. Next, train the remaining branches to grow outward and upward, using stakes or trellises to support them if necessary. Characteristics of selected sugar apple cultivars or selections in south Florida. Guanabana, also known as soursop, is a tropical fruit with a unique flavor that is highly sought after for its health benefits. As such, the Central Highlands of Vietnam provide the perfect growing conditions for these unique fruits. The soursop will continue to ripen off the tree. Many kinds of fruit can be grown successfully in the Florida home garden, including temperate fruits in the northern part of the state and tropical and subtropical fruits in the southern part of the state. By the time you reach the fruiting stage, the tree requires 250-300 grams of fertilizer. Storms tore through Jupiter Farms, forcing people to take shelter on Wednesday. They found two people with gunshot wounds in the hotel's . People say we can't grow tender tropicals, but like you I disagree. Amling, Cape Fear, Pawnee, Desirable, and Jackson are all type 1 pecans. Of the choices of type 1 pollinators, Amling seems to be the most disease resistant for extreme high humidity areas like Central FL. Mealy bugs are generally found at the stem-end of the fruit and the shady side of the fruit. Keeping the soil moist but not soggy and creating a humid climate. Where does soursop grow in the USA: In the U.S.,soursop trees can grow in central to southern Florida, southern California, southern Arizona and southern Texas. Houzz nutzt Cookies und hnliche Technologien, um Ihre Benutzererfahrung zu personalisieren, Ihnen relevante Inhalte bereitzustellen und die Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu verbessern. They are popular because of their distinctive aromatic qualities and their suitability for processing in the form of preserved pulp, nectar and jelly. Plant the seeds in peat pots filled with potting soil, less than 30 days after harvesting from fruit. This is because a dry atmosphere more rapidly desiccates the female flower parts than a humid atmosphere. Iron should be mixed with water and applied as a soil drench under the tree canopy. In general, prolonged drought stress may reduce the percent fruit set, fruit size, and crop yields. Mild to severe drought stress may reduce atemoya (a relative of sugar apple) fruit size by 10 to 50%. The planting and care instructions for sweetsop, soursop, and atemoya are very similar. Soursop, graviola, and guanabana are common names for a closely related species, Annona muricata. In the U.S.,soursop trees can grow in central to southern Florida, southern California, southern Arizona and southern Texas. This is because too much water too often applied causes root rot. Error message | View complete answer on https://www.goldbelly.com. Female ASB lay their eggs in the young seeds of small fruits. Hand pollination of sugar apple is possible and may be very effective in improving fruit set (up to nearly 100%) and fruit shape. Compost has a dark color, is friable, and usually has an earthy, pleasant odor. Flowers that open under conditions of high humidity and warm temperatures are more likely to set fruit than those flowers opening during low humidity and/or cool temperatures. It is not that hard. All annonas lose their leaves if temps dip below let s say 60 at night as I have cherimoya seedlings and all came back after the cold 2 yrs ago did not even protect them, however later died from root rot as Annonas seem very susceptible to that as well. The fruit may begin to get soft in certain parts, and a sweet and sour aroma may arise. These include reduced frequency of N-P2O5-K2O (NPK) applications and close attention to irrigation from flowering to harvest during prolonged dry periods. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer, such as Osmocote plus 15-9-12, and apply it every two to three months during the growing season. per year for the first year, 1 pound (.45 kg.) Sometimes the tree does not get all of the nutrients that it requires from the soil. From my 7 years of seed starting to mature growing. You can tell when the soursop is ready to harvest because it will start changing its color from dark green to a light green/yellow color. Order Soursop from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly. Soursop Guanabana trees are moderate growers, maturing to a height of 25-30 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. Damage from heavy infestation results in loss of tree vigor, leaf browning and drop, and stem dieback. This tree performs its best in USDA growing zones 9-11 and on the patio (potted) in zones 4-11. Can you share any secrets? Remove the tree from the nursery container, separating the exposed . Soursop is a fruit native to South and Central America. In the U.S.,soursop trees can grow in central to southern Florida, southern California, southern Arizona and southern Texas. You might also hear it called guanabana, graviola or custard apple. Please contact your local County Agricultural Cooperative Extension Agent for control information. To meet growing demand and thanks to a generous investment of $29 million from the 2022 Florida Legislature and a $10 million gift from Dr . It will not survive a frost. Location: When planting the Soursop tree, find a location that receives full sun and moist, well-draining soil. It grows in the Caribbean and very recently began growing in Miami. Listing last updated on Dec 24, 2017 Origin: The sugar apple is indigenous to tropical America. Soursop trees should be grown in a container or inside a green house. Flowers are small, about 1 inch long (2.54 cm), produced singly or in clusters of 2 to 4 from the leaf axils on year-old shoots or new growth. Sugar apple trees make beautiful small landscape trees that provide a very pleasant-tasting fresh fruit. Choose a site 15 to 30 feet from other trees, structures, and powerlines. Sugar apple is primarily consumed fresh, as a dessert fruit. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The tree that produces soursop fruit needs a tropical climate. Constant winds may distort the tree canopy, making tree training and pruning more difficult. The tree that produces soursop fruit needs a tropical climate. To dig a hole, use a pick and digging bar to break up the rock or contract with a company that has augering equipment or a backhoe. Unlike most fruit trees, this one is usually grown from seed. Commonly, nursery sugar apple trees are grown in 3-gallon containers, and trees stand 2 to 4 ft from the soil media. Fruit. 12734 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL Garden Center Rock & Stone Bulk Products In The Store 813-933-7944 Mon - Fri 7:00am - 4:00pm Saturday 7:00am - 2:00pm Soursop Tree To prevent these problems, inspect your tree regularly for signs of infestation or disease. It will not survive a frost. Annona Seed Borer (Braephratiloides cubense). Please contact your local County Agricultural Cooperative Extension Agent for control information. It is important not to overwater your soursop tree, which can lead to root rot. Plant them in full sun. After the third year, trees will begin to bear fruit and the strategy is to reduce the number of applications of nitrogen-containing fertilizer. Error message | View complete answer on https://soursopstore.com. South fla is a different story. Error message | View complete answer on https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu. After you set the seeds, fill the soil and water it immediately. A few cultivars are small fruited, weighing 3 to 10 pounds (1.4-4.5 kg) each. Make 2 to 4 applications per year. We have an ever-growing variety of trees, plants and shrubs to make your home even more beautiful. Flowers of sugar apple in the female stage are characterized by only a slight opening of the petals and a glistening appearance to the stigmatic surfaces. Error message | View complete answer on https://health.clevelandclinic.org. However, young trees establish more satisfactorily in wind-protected areas. Garden FL is reader-supportive-friendly. Additionally, soursop trees prefer a warm and humid climate, so they should be planted in a location with a consistent temperature of 70-80F. Temperature Optimum temperatures for cocoa growth range from 65 to 90F (18-32C). During mid-spring all the way until temperatures drop below the mid forties again, set it against a wall, so the wall can reflect heat, or just put it in an open part of the yard, but I recommend a wall. However, the seedless fruit split when nearing maturity, and the fruit quality and yield is reported to be inferior to seedy types. The flavor is sweet but not as delicious as its relatives. The pulp has an excellent flavor and may be incorporated into ice cream and milk shakes. Sugar apple trees are tolerant of drought conditions, however, fruit set and fruit size may be reduced and defoliation may occur due to drought stress. Growing your own soursop tree can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires some effort and knowledge. Call between 9:30 to 5:00 at (305)281-0470 to place your orders. Selection of species and varieties is critical for fruit production, as plants that are not adapted to local conditions will generally fail to produce regardless of how much care and attention they receive. Wind Stress: Little research has been conducted on sugar apple tree wind tolerance. Pickup price is about $40 lower than receiving it via FedEx. Fruit appear purplish-black to black and may remain on the tree for some time. Powered by Shopify. So a guanabana tree is the same as a soursop tree and a graviola tree. Leaves can be dried for tea. The fruit should be harvested when it is mature but firm, as it will continue to ripen off the tree. However, if the temperature falls below 40 F, the leaves will turn brown and your soursop tree will begin to die. Buy your favorite Soursop online with Instacart. Fill soil in around the tree roots and tamp slightly to remove air pockets. I know the tree will not survive outside, so I will try to grow it in pots..I am not sure how well they fit in a pot, but Lou is right. All rights reserved. On the other hand, Atemoya, cherimoya, and sugar apple flowers are typically more elongated and triangular in shape. Compost may be used sparingly (in small amounts, 13 shovels full) as an addition to the native soil when planting landscape trees and added to the topsoil under the tree canopy. Q: How long does it take for a soursop tree to bear fruit? We also havepremium soursopfrom our friendsin Grenada that we have available mostly year round for those that want their soursop fix any time. Make a hole 3 to 4 times the diameter and 3 times as deep as the container the tree came in. There are different kinds of tree diseases some of which include the following: At the same time, you also need to make sure that your tree is safe from pests. In the 2nd year, raise the amount to 1 pound. Gunabana trees cannot take temperatures below 30F (-1C), and will often dye if temperatures dip below that. In terms of texture, soursop flowers are delicate and smooth to the touch. As such, the Central Highlands of Vietnam provide the perfect growing conditions for these unique fruits. Good products at Amazon for growing Soursop. You can harvest these fruits when they develop completely and are green. I would not plant inground in 9b zone or colder. Apply about 1/4 lb (100 g) per tree per application (Table 1). This drought tolerant plant is an evergreen shrub with . They have a distinctive heart-shaped or oblong shape with petals that are typically yellow-green. Follow the recommendations below: Protect the plant when temperature drops below 70 degrees; it is best to bring indoors. A complete fertilizer is a fertilizer containing a source of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potassium (K) (many also contain a source of magnesium, Mg). They definitely need some protection (like a winter greenhouse) in N FL. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. View complete answer on https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu, View complete answer on https://miamifruit.org, View complete answer on https://soursopstore.com, View complete answer on https://www.houzz.com, View complete answer on https://www.goldbelly.com, View complete answer on https://www.tkofarms.com, View complete answer on https://health.clevelandclinic.org, View complete answer on https://fooddrinkdestinations.com, View complete answer on https://www.instacart.com, how to submit traffic school certificate florida. Soursop is in the same family as popular Annona fruits sugar apple, cherimoya, custard apple, and atemoya, but its an entirely different and much larger fruit. My brother is from the Virgin Islands and I'm from Galveston Island, TX. Q: How often should I water my soursop tree? Soursop loves growing near the water. including Palm beach County, Dade County, Lee county, Orlando area and Daytona area. Acceptable mixtures include 6-6-6 or 8-3-9 or some similar material. In areas with sandy soil, follow the recommendations from the section on planting in sandy soil. Maintain a grass-free area 2 to 5 or more feet away from the trunk of the tree. Provide soursop plants with 10-10-10 fertilizer, using a total of one-half pound of fertilizer per tree in the first year. Officers responded to reports of shots fired in the area around 12:30 p.m., according to a St. Petersburg Police Department news release. Soursop is known to be more of an extreme tropical fruit tree, meaning they are sensitive to cold weather. This tree performs its best in USDA growing zones 9-11 and on the patio (potted) in zones 4-11. The jackfruit is a multiple fruit i.e., composed of the coherence of multiple flowers (Figures 1 and 5). Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Generally, mulch does not have a strong odor, and one can usually determine whether the mulch is made up of dead leaves, stems, wood chips, or wood bark. Thus, tree toppling and uprooting have been observed after hurricane-force winds. I am in 9b, Lakeland. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Both species are native to the American tropics, but, Soursop, Guanabana Grafted Fruit Tree, 3 feet tall, For Sale , View complete answer on https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu, View complete answer on https://miamifruit.org, View complete answer on https://soursopstore.com, View complete answer on https://www.houzz.com, View complete answer on https://health.clevelandclinic.org, View complete answer on https://fooddrinkdestinations.com, View complete answer on https://www.goldbelly.com, View complete answer on https://www.tkofarms.com, View complete answer on https://www.instacart.com, what part of florida has the most hurricanes. We also have pots of every size, and they are yours at a much cheaper price than anywhere else! Newer Post , How to consume soursop Grenada is completely surrounded by water, making it an ideal climate for soursop to grow. Very little pruning is required once the initial shaping is attained. Growing your own soursop tree can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some effort and knowledge about growing Annonaceae fruit trees. See this video on how to test to see if soursop is ripe: Older Post Growing Guanabana: A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Your Own Soursop Tree, Watering and Fertilizing the Soursop Tree, Osmocote Plus 15-9-12 Soursop Fertilizer, How to grow lemon trees from seeds - step by step guide , The Longan Tree: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Dragons Eye Fruit in Florida, How to Grow Passion Fruit in Florida: Cultivation Tips, Health Benefits, and Unique Varieties, The Ultimate Guide to Fertilizing Atemoya Trees for an Abundant Harvest, The Best Sugar Apple Fertilizer and Nutrient Supplements for a Healthy Tree, All about the Phet Pak Chong Atemoya (PPC Atemoya), The Miracle Fruit: How to Grow and Use the Miracle Berry in Florida, Soursop, Guanabana, Mang Cau Xiem, Graviola, Two to three times per week, depending on the weather, Tolerates many soils as long as well draining, Potato leaf hopper, Annona seed borer, Scale, Whiteflies. We had one night of freezing in January. Most sugar apple trees are grown from seed and within a particular selection (e.g., 'Thai Lessard', 'Kampong Mauve') there appears to be little variability among seedlings. The UCF College of Nursing has long provided skilled, compassionate nurses to the Central Florida workforce and beyond, with more than 85% of its 14,000 alumni living and working in Florida. Alternatively, you could try to grow one n a greenhouse that is warm and humid. for every year thereafter. Please contact your local County Agricultural Cooperative Extension Agent for control information. zone 9a and 9b are only able to (veg) grow from the month of late march-late to October depending on the weather. This soursop grows in Miami and is very rare to find as there are not many fruiting soursop trees in South Florida. Some common types of pests include the following: Formulating a crop protection plan is also beneficial since it helps in ensuring a good harvest. In contrast, mulch is incompletely degraded organic matter such as straw, hay, wood chips, and bark chips. Eventually mulch breaks down into compost, improving the soil structure and nutrient- and water-holding capacity. zone 9a and 9b are only able to (veg) grow from the month of late march-late to October depending on the weather. It took a few months to recover and is fine now. Interior Designer & Raumausstatter | Lauda-Knigshofen, Mein Benutzererlebnis mit Cookies anpassen, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Landscaping Suggestions? Soursop fruit consists of important nutrients like Vitamin C, which have a wide range of health benefits. Relatives: cherimoya (A. cherimola), soursop (A. muricata), custard apple (A. reticulata), pond apple (A. glabra), ilama (A. diversifolia), atemoya (A. cherimola x A. squamosa). The goal is to maintain fruit production in the lower tree canopy, improve light penetration into the canopy, and limit tree size. Remember, sugar apple trees can grow to about 20 ft (6.1 m) high if not pruned to contain their size. We import freshly harvested Caribbean Soursop (Guanabana) whole fruit that is available on a retail and wholesale basis. In California it is the coast regions from San Luis Obispo south and south of Bakersfield. The planting and care instructions for sweetsop, soursop, and atemoya are very similar. This means all the available space in the container has been filled with roots to the point that the tap root is growing along the edge of the container in a circular fashion. After the third year, fertilize your citrus four to five times per year. Typically soursop is grafted onto soursop (Annona muricata) seedling. ailable mostly year round for those that want their soursop fix any time. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Flavor Profile: The flavor has been described as a combination of strawberry and pineapple, with sour citrus flavor notes contrasting . Want to grow a guanabana tree / soursop tree/ graviola tree that bears a prickly fruit of the same name at home? Sugar apple trees have a relatively shallow and weak root system. Use a cotton or natural fiber string that will degrade slowly. My potted Soursop lost leaves at 50F night temps. Contact us for this option. After you removeseeds from the soursop fruit, you can plantthem for up to 30 days. zone 9a and 9b are only able to (veg) grow from the month of late march-late to October depending on the weather. Sugar apple trees should be planted in full sun and at least 15 to 20 ft (4.6-6.1 m) from adjacent trees and structures and power lines. Since we appreciate super fresh local fruit as much as you, we offerlocally grown soursopas a separate productand harvest when it's available, which is typically only a couple times per year. Soursop, graviola, and guanabana are common names for a closely related species, Annona muricata. Soursop loves growing near the water. In the U.S.,soursop trees can grow in central to southern Florida, southern California, southern Arizona and southern Texas. When the weather cools in the winter, be sure to reduce watering. 2. Low humidity (<70% RH) during flowering of sugar apple may lead to reduce fruit set. Some pruning will help the orchid tree take the . Hand pollination is usually most successful in the early to mid-morning hours (sunrise to about 11:00 am) and is done by using a thin paint brush (like the brush found in water color paint set) to transfer pollen through the slightly open flower petals of the female stage flowers to the stigmatic surfaces at the base of the flower. Fruit is moderately large to very large, weighing from 10 to 60 pounds (4.5-27.3 kg). 1. After the third year, the emphasis changes to cultural practices that enhance flowering, fruit set, and fruit development.