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Soursop

Complete care guide for premium tropical seedling. Follow these instructions for optimal growth and maximum yield.

Complete Care Guide

Detailed care instructions for growing your Soursop seedling successfully

Watering

Requires 1,000-1,800 mm of well-distributed rainfall. In semi-arid areas like Kitui, drip irrigation during dry spells ensures healthy growth. Soursop is drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture during establishment and fruiting periods. Regular watering helps maintain healthy growth and fruit development.

Sunlight

Needs 6-8 hours of full sunlight daily for robust fruit production. Avoid shaded areas to maximize yields. Full sun exposure is essential for optimal growth and fruit quality.

Soil Requirements

Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5-6.5), including sandy loam or loamy soils. It tolerates poor soils but benefits from organic matter. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility.

Temperature

Flourishes between 21°C and 30°C. It's sensitive to frost below 5°C, making coastal areas (Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale), Eastern Kenya (Machakos, Makueni), and Nyanza lowlands ideal. Soursop loves warm, humid climates, fitting perfectly into tropical and coastal regions.

Fertilizer

Apply balanced NPK fertilizer during growing season. Use organic manure or compost to enhance soil fertility. Apply NPK 10-5-5 quarterly during active growth periods. Soursop is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular fertilization.

Spacing

Space trees 5-6 meters apart to allow for proper growth and management. This spacing ensures adequate airflow, reduces disease pressure, and allows for easy harvesting. A single mature tree can yield 50-70 fruits annually, each weighing 2-5 kg.

Time to Fruit

Fruits within 2-3 years when grown from grafted seedlings. Soursop is a farmer's dream: it's low-maintenance and commands premium prices of Ksh 300-600 per kg in 2025 due to its rising popularity. Its versatility—used in juices, smoothies, ice creams, and herbal remedies—makes it an ideal crop for diversifying farms.

Pest & Disease Management

Pests:

•Fruit Flies (set up pheromone traps or use eco-friendly baits, wrap fruits in biodegradable bags to prevent egg-laying)
•Mealybugs and Scale Insects (spray neem oil or soapy water, encourage natural predators like ladybugs)
•Fruit Borers (apply organic insecticides like azadirachtin and remove affected fruits promptly)
•Birds (use netting or shiny tape to protect ripening fruits)

Diseases:

•Anthracnose (spray copper-based fungicides during wet seasons, clear fallen fruits and branches to reduce fungal spread)
•Root Rot (ensure well-drained soils and avoid overwatering, apply Trichoderma to boost soil health)
•Black Canker (remove infected branches and apply organic fungicides like sulfur)
•driving its market demand. It's antioxidant-rich (packed with acetogenins and flavonoids, fighting inflammation and oxidative stress)
•high in vitamin C (boosting immunity and skin health)
•promotes digestive health (fiber promotes gut health and eases digestion)
•and provides energy support (contains natural sugars and B vitamins for sustained energy)
•200 meters above sea level
•where warm
•humid conditions prevail.

Growing Timeline

Phase 1

Planting

Prepare soil, plant seedling, water thoroughly

Phase 2

Establishment

Regular watering, fertilizer application

Phase 3

Growth

Pruning, maintenance, pest management

Phase 4

Fruiting

Harvest and ongoing maintenance

Common Issues & Solutions

Water Stress

Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Use mulch to retain soil moisture. Install drip irrigation for efficient water delivery. Water deeply but less frequently.

Cold/Frost Damage

Protect plants during cold periods with covers or windbreaks. Choose appropriate planting locations. Consider frost-resistant varieties. Water plants before expected frost to help protect roots.

Mealybug Problem

Apply neem oil spray directly on affected areas. Remove heavily infested parts. Maintain good sanitation and avoid over-fertilization which attracts mealybugs. Use systemic insecticides if severe.

Scale Insects

Use horticultural oil or neem oil during dormant season. Prune heavily infested branches. Maintain plant health to reduce susceptibility. Scrape off scales manually for small infestations.

Quick Reference

Min Temperature

10°C

Ideal Sunlight

6+ hrs

Water Frequency

Regular

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

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