Sitaphal (grafted) Plant - Sharifa, Custard Apple

Sitaphal (Custard Apple) Grafted Plant

Basic Product Details

• Scientific Name: Annona squamosa
• Common Names: Sitaphal, Sharifa, Custard Apple, Sugar Apple
• Plant Height: 12-24 inches (approximately)
• Pot Size: 5-6 inch nursery pot
• Plant Type: Perennial, Fruit-bearing, Grafted Variety
• Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy-loamy soil with good organic content
• Sunlight Requirement: Full sunlight (6-8 hours daily)

Product Overview

The Sitaphal (Grafted) Plant is a fast-growing, fruit-bearing tree that produces sweet, creamy, and aromatic custard apples. This grafted variety ensures faster fruiting, often yielding fruits within 2-3 years. Sitaphal is highly valued for its delicious taste, nutritional benefits, and easy maintenance, making it a perfect choice for home gardens, orchards, and terrace farming.

Features and Characteristics

Growth Habit

• A small to medium-sized deciduous tree, growing up to 10-15 feet.
• Suitable for pot cultivation and backyard gardens.

Leaves & Flowers

• Dark green, oblong leaves with a slightly aromatic scent.
• Produces small, yellow-green flowers with a mild fragrance.

Fruits

• Round to heart-shaped, green fruits with knobby skin.
• The inner pulp is soft, creamy white, and rich in natural sugars.
• Contains few seeds in grafted varieties, making it easier to eat.

Uses of Sitaphal (Custard Apple)

Culinary Uses

• Enjoyed as a fresh fruit due to its rich, creamy, and sweet flavor.
• Used in milkshakes, smoothies, and desserts.
• Added to custards, ice creams, and puddings.
• Used in traditional sweets and jams.

Nutritional & Health Benefits

• Rich in Vitamin C, B6, and dietary fiber, boosting immunity and digestion.
• Supports heart health with its natural antioxidants.
• Helps in weight gain and energy production due to its high-calorie content.
• Cooling and hydrating, beneficial during summer.

Harvesting and Farming Details

Farming

Climate Requirements

• Thrives in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates.
• Requires moderate humidity and full sunlight for best fruiting.

Soil

• Prefers well-draining, sandy-loamy soil with rich organic matter.
• Avoid waterlogged or clay-heavy soil.

Planting Season

• Best planted during spring or monsoon season.

Spacing

• Maintain a 6-8 feet gap between plants for optimal growth.

Harvesting

• Fruits appear within 2-3 years due to grafting.
• Harvest when the skin softens slightly and turns pale green.
• Allow to ripen at room temperature for the best flavor.

Care Tips

Light

• Requires full sunlight (at least 6-8 hours daily) for good growth and fruiting.

Watering

• Water twice a week during the growing season.
• Reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.

Fertilizer

• Apply organic compost and balanced NPK fertilizers every month.
• Add micronutrients like potassium and magnesium for better fruiting.

Pruning

• Prune regularly to remove weak branches and improve air circulation.
• Helps in enhancing fruit size and tree shape.

Pest Control

• May be affected by fruit borers, mealybugs, and aphids.
• Use neem oil or organic pesticides for effective control.

Benefits of Growing Sitaphal (Custard Apple) at Home

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Chemical-free, homegrown fruit for healthy consumption.
• Boosts digestion, immunity, and skin health.

Economic Benefits

• A high-demand fruit with good market value.
• Can be sold fresh or processed into pulp for sweets and juices.

Environmental Benefits

• Enhances biodiversity by attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Improves air quality and adds greenery to your space.

Placement Suggestions

• Perfect for home gardens, terrace gardens, and backyard farming.
• Suitable for large pots (at least 15-20 inches wide) on balconies and patios.
• Grows well in open fields and commercial orchards.

Common Questions and Answers About Sitaphal (Custard Apple) Plant

How long does it take for the Sitaphal plant to bear fruit?

Being a grafted variety, it starts fruiting within 2-3 years under proper care.

Can Sitaphal be grown in pots?

Yes, it thrives well in large pots (15-20 inches wide) with proper sunlight and care.

How often should I water the plant?

Water twice a week, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Does Sitaphal need full sunlight?

Yes, it requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and fruiting.

When is the best time to harvest Sitaphal?

Harvest when the fruit softens slightly and changes color from dark to light green.

Can Sitaphal be grown indoors?

It is best grown outdoors in full sunlight, but it can be kept near a bright, sunny window in the initial stages.

Why are my custard apple leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves may be due to overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or lack of sunlight. Ensure proper drainage, balanced feeding, and full sun exposure.

How do I prevent pests on my Sitaphal plant?

Use neem oil spray or mild organic pesticides to protect against common fruit pests.

Grow your own Sitaphal (Custard Apple) Plant and enjoy fresh, homegrown, naturally sweet fruits!