Sugar Apple Tree
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 30 Day Plant Promise. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If not, just call us at (704) 443-8256.
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free shipping on all orders. Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
How We Ship Your Plants
Ordering live plants online should feel exciting, not stressful! We only ship healthy, well-rooted trees and plants!
Beware- not all plant nurseries are the same! Others can cut corners to save money:
- We never ship bareroot plants
- We never cut roots to fit into a small box
- We always ship plants with healthy, developed roots so they establish faster at your home
- We focus on plant health first- not minimizing shipping costs
A strong root system is the foundation for long-term success, and we believe your plant should arrive ready to thrive- not struggling to recover from shortcuts.
How we Select Your Plants
Once you place your order, our nursery team selects your plant and inspects it to make sure it meets our quality standards. Every plant we ship is chosen for:
- Strong health and vibrant foliage
- A well-developed root system
- Correct sizing based on your order
We take pride in sending plants that are ready to succeed when they arrive at your home. We try our best to exceed your expectations!
Once your plants are selected, we give them a drink of water before their journey. Then, we wrap each plant's roots up in a plastic bag, so that they do not dry out during shipping.
Carefully Packed & Protected
Live plants can’t be packed like ordinary boxes, so we do it differently.
Your plant is carefully secured inside a strong shipping box to protect it while traveling. Packaging may include:
- Support materials for stability
- Protection around the pot and roots
- Reinforced boxing for added protection
For larger trees, we use oversize boxes designed to safely accommodate the size and structure of your plant during shipping.
Sometimes, you will receive multiple plants inside a box. This is helpful because it can evenly distribute the weight throughout the box, which helps keeps the plants safe and secure throughout delivery.
Fast & Reliable with FedEx
Most Nationwide Plants orders ship with FedEx. Over the years, we’ve found FedEx to be the best carrier for live plants, especially larger items, because:
- They deliver quickest across the country
- They are the most gentle with live plants
- Faster transit means less plant stress
Once your order ships, we will email you tracking information so you can follow your delivery from our nursery to your doorstep.
We ship Monday through Friday. Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom shipping date.
Multiple Nursery Locations
We ship from multiple locations across the country, including both the East Coast and West Coast. This allows us to:
- Deliver faster in more regions
- Reduce time in transit for your plants
- Ship large items more efficiently
How We Measure Your Trees
We measure tree height from the soil line, not including the pot.
That means when you order a 5-6 ft. tree, you’re getting a tree that is 5-6 ft. tall above the soil, not “including the container.” This gives you a good idea of what to expect when your trees arrive, and what they will look like when they are in the ground.
After Your Plants Arrive
It’s completely normal for a plant to look slightly different after shipping. Your plant has been traveling in a box, so you may notice:
- Minor leaf drop
- Soil that shifted slightly in the pot
- Temporary drooping from being in a darker environment
In most cases, your plant perks up quickly once it’s unboxed, watered (if needed), and placed in the proper environment.
Unboxing Your Plants
When your plants arrive, we recommend:
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Open carefully (avoid cutting into foliage)
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Remove all packing materials
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Check soil moisture (If the soil feels dry, give it a thorough watering)
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Let the plant recover (Give it a little fresh air after shipping)
If you ever have questions or concerns, we’re happy to help!
Our 30-Day Plant Promise
We stand behind every order we ship with our 30-Day Plant Promise.
If your plant dies within 30 days of delivery, we will replace it or refund it. We’ve found that if there are ever issues, they typically show up in the first 30 days- so this guarantee gives our customers real peace of mind.
If anything doesn’t look right, contact us and we’ll help you troubleshoot quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship bare-root plants?
No. We ship in soil with an established root system for the best success after delivery.
How fast will my order ship?
Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom ship date.
Will my plant survive shipping?
Yes. Plants are resilient when packed correctly and shipped quickly. Our process is designed to protect your plant throughout transit.
What if my plant arrives droopy?
This is usually temporary from being in a dark box. Unbox promptly, check moisture, and allow time to adjust. If you’re concerned, reach out—we’re here to help.
Want Bigger Plants?
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The Sugar Apple Tree thrives in Zones 9-11 
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Sugar Apple Tree. |
||
| Your Growing Zone | ||
| Recommended Zones | 9-11 | |
| Mature Height | 10-20 ft (planted) 6-8 ft (container) | |
| Mature Width | 10-20 ft. | |
| Cannot Ship To | AZ, OR | |
| Sunlight | Full Sun | |
| Botanical Name | Annona squamosa | |
|
The Sugar Apple Tree thrives in Zones 9-11
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Sugar Apple Tree. |
|
| Your Growing Zone | |
| Recommended Zones | 9-11 |
| Mature Height | 10-20 ft (planted) 6-8 ft (container) |
| Mature Width | 10-20 ft. |
| Cannot Ship To | AZ, OR |
| Sunlight | Full Sun |
| Botanical Name | Annona squamosa |
Description
Description
Sugar Apple Tree (Annona squamosa) - Enjoy Sweet, Tropical Fruit in Your Own Backyard
The Sugar Apple Tree (Annona squamosa), also known as sweetsop or custard apple, produces one of the most delicious tropical fruits you can grow at home. With its lumpy, green skin and creamy, sweet pulp, this fruit tree is perfect for anyone who loves exotic, homegrown fruit. The Sugar Apple has a rich, custard-like flavor, often compared to a blend of banana, pineapple, and vanilla.
Fast-Growing and High-Yielding
Unlike many fruit trees that take years to bear fruit, Sugar Apple trees can start producing in as little as 2 to 3 years after planting. If you plant a Nationwide Plants Sugar Apple Tree from a 3-gallon pot, it is already more mature than a seedling, which means it will take less time to bear fruit. Instead of waiting 2 to 3 years, you could see fruit production in as little as 1 to 2 years, depending on growing conditions.
The tree’s faster fruiting is due to its already-established root system and initial growth stage. To maximize early fruit production, make sure to plant it in well-draining soil, provide full sun, and feed it with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Mature trees can yield an abundance of fruit each season, giving you plenty to enjoy fresh, make smoothies, or create delicious desserts.
Compact Size for Easy Growth
When grown in containers, Sugar Apple Trees typically stay more compact, reaching about 6 to 8 feet tall. With regular pruning, you can easily maintain them at 5 to 6 feet, making them ideal for patios, balconies, or small garden spaces. Keeping the tree container-grown also helps control its overall size and makes it easier to move indoors during cooler months.
Even planted in-ground Sugar Apple trees stay relatively small, typically reaching 10 to 20 feet tall, making them ideal for both gardens and container planting. If you have limited space, you can even grow one in a pot and prune it to maintain a manageable size. Its spreading, low-branching habit also makes it easy to harvest fruit without needing a ladder.
Tolerant and Adaptable to Many Climates
The Sugar Apple tree thrives in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates (USDA Zones 9-11), but it can also be grown in a container and brought indoors in cooler climates. It prefers well-draining soil, full sunlight, and moderate watering to flourish. If you live in a frost-prone area, you can still grow a Sugar Apple by keeping it in a pot and moving it indoors during winter.
Unique and Beautiful Appearance
Not only does this tree provide delicious fruit, but it also adds beauty to your garden. Its lush, deep-green foliage and fragrant yellow-green flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. In spring and summer, the flowers develop into the distinctively knobby sugar apples that ripen in late summer or early fall.
Low Maintenance and Easy to Grow
Sugar Apple trees require minimal care once established. They are relatively drought-tolerant and only need occasional watering once mature. Pruning helps maintain their size and shape, and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer supports healthy growth and fruit production.
Health Benefits of Sugar Apple Fruit
Not only is Sugar Apple delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients, including:
- Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and supports skin health
- Vitamin B6: Helps with brain function and reduces stress
- Dietary Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes gut health
- Antioxidants: Protect against cell damage and aging
Interesting Facts About the Sugar Apple Tree
- Sugar Apple is native to the tropical Americas and the Caribbean, but it is now grown in many warm regions worldwide.
- Despite its name, Sugar Apple is not directly related to apples but belongs to the Annona genus, which includes cherimoya, atemoya, and soursop.
- The tree’s fruit is often enjoyed fresh but can also be used in smoothies, ice creams, milkshakes, and even baked goods.
- In traditional medicine, parts of the Sugar Apple tree have been used to support digestive health, wound healing, and blood sugar regulation.
Why You Should Grow a Sugar Apple Tree
If you love fresh, homegrown fruit and want a tree that is easy to maintain and provides a tropical touch to your garden, the Sugar Apple is an excellent choice. It offers fast growth, high fruit production, and a unique, creamy-sweet flavorunlike anything found in grocery stores. Whether you live in a warm climate or want to grow it in a container, this fruit tree is a must-have for any tropical fruit enthusiast.
Order Your Sugar Apple Tree Today
Get your own Sugar Apple Tree today from our store and enjoy the rewards of delicious, fresh fruit straight from your backyard!