Description

Custard Apple Seedlings

Savor the creamy, tropical delight of custard apples (Annona reticulata), locally known as Matomoko, with Organic Farm’s certified grafted seedlings. These sweet, nutrient-rich fruits, packed with vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and fiber, are gaining popularity in Kenya for their delicious flavor and health benefits. Organically grown in Muranga, Kenya, our high-quality seedlings ensure faster fruiting, disease resistance, and uniform fruit quality, making them ideal for farmers and home gardeners seeking a profitable, low-maintenance crop.

Benefits of Custard Apple Farming

• Nutritional Value: High in antioxidants, vitamin C, and minerals, supporting immunity, heart health, digestion, and skin vitality.

• Versatile Uses: Enjoy fresh, or use in ice cream, juices, milkshakes, or desserts; leaves and bark have medicinal properties for treating ulcers and toothaches.

• High Profitability: Strong local and export demand, especially in Europe, with prices reaching KSh 300–500/kg in Nairobi markets.

• Drought Tolerance: Thrives in semi-arid regions, requiring minimal irrigation once established.

Favorable Climates for Custard Apples in Kenya

Custard apples prefer warm, moderately humid conditions (25–30°C) with annual rainfall of 600–800mm, performing well in tropical and semi-arid climates with cool winters. They are sensitive to temperatures below 15°C or above 28°C during flowering.

Suitable Regions in Kenya

• Central Kenya: Murang’a, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kirinyaga

• Eastern Kenya: Makueni, Machakos, Embu

• Rift Valley: Nakuru, Kericho (lower altitudes)

• Western Kenya: Bungoma, Kakamega (select areas)

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam or clay loam; tolerates shallow soils

• Soil pH: 5.0–8.0 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline)

• Nutrients: Rich in organic matter; avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils

• Altitude: 0–1,500 meters above sea level for optimal growth

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Custard Apples

Site Preparation

• Select a sunny location with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight and wind protection.

• Clear weeds and debris; test soil pH and nutrient levels.

• Plant windbreaks (e.g., hedges) to protect brittle branches.

Hole Preparation

• Dig holes 60cm x 60cm x 60cm (2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft).

• Mix topsoil with well-decomposed manure (1:1 ratio) and 250g double superphosphate.

Planting Seedlings

• Use certified grafted seedlings for faster fruiting (2–3 years vs. 5–6 years for seed-grown).

• Place the seedling in the hole, ensuring the graft union is 5–10cm above soil level to prevent rot.

• Backfill with soil mixture, press firmly, and water thoroughly.

Mulching

• Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (e.g., dry grass, leaves) around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the graft union.

Caring for Custard Apple Trees

• Irrigation: Water 2–3 times weekly during dry seasons for the first 2 years, especially during fruit setting; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

• Fertilization: Apply organic compost or balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10:10:10 NPK) twice yearly, guided by soil tests; avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive vegetative growth.

• Pruning: Prune annually after harvest to remove dead branches, shape the canopy, and improve air circulation; train young trees for a strong structure.

• Pest and Disease Control: Manage pests (fruit borers, mealybugs, scale insects) and diseases (bacterial wilt, anthracnose) with neem oil, biological controls, and integrated pest management (IPM); select disease-free seedlings.

• Pollination: Hand-pollination with a soft brush during flowering (October–February) can boost yields, as branches may break under heavy fruit loads.

Plant Population and Spacing

• Spacing: 4m x 4m or 6m x 6m, depending on soil fertility

• Population: 150–300 trees per acre

Expected Production

• Per Tree: 100–150 fruits (50–70 kg) annually at maturity (4–5 years).

• Per Acre: 7,500–22,500 fruits (7–21 tonnes) per acre, yielding potential revenue of KSh 2.1–6.3 million at KSh 300/kg.

• Fruiting Timeline: Grafted seedlings fruit in 2–3 years, peaking at 4–5 years.

Why Choose Organic Farm’s Custard Apple Seedlings?

Organic Farm is a trusted name in sustainable agriculture in Kenya. Our custard apple seedlings offer:

• KEPHIS-Certified Quality: Grafted from proven rootstocks for disease resistance, uniform fruit quality, and early fruiting, meeting Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service standards.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance from soil preparation to market access.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Organic propagation preserves soil health and ecosystems.

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya, including Nairobi, Makueni, and Murang’a.

Note: Never consume custard apple seeds, as they are poisonous, and diabetic individuals should consume the fruit sparingly due to high starch content.

Start your custard apple orchard with Organic Farm and tap into the growing local and export demand for Matomoko. Order your seedlings today to grow a delicious, profitable crop!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com