HOW TO GROW SOURSOP FROM SEEDS

HOW TO GROW SOURSOP FROM SEEDS

When properly planted and cared for, soursop seeds can produce bushy trees up to 30 feet in height. These trees produce tender, juicy fruits that are perfect for turning into preserves. Soursop trees thrive best in locations that maintain a temperature above 30 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. Frost kills these tropical plants, so it's best to grow them in warmer regions or keep them in a large greenhouse.

Germinating Soursop Seeds

Begin by collecting a good crop of soursop seeds and soaking them in water for a few hours to trigger their germination. Soursop seedlings don't always survive into adulthood, so it's a good idea to plant more than one seed. Plant each seed at a depth of around half an inch in a small pot filled with rich potting soil. Keep the pots in a warm, shady spot in the home or greenhouse. Water regularly so that the soil remains moist at all times. Germination occurs within two to four weeks if the seeds are viable.

Caring for Soursop Seedlings

Soursop seedlings need to be kept indoors for at least six months. During this time, water them regularly so that the soil is always slightly moist. If possible, you should also take steps to increase the humidity of the environment, as soursops are tropical plants. Running a humidifier is one very effective option, but a simpler solution is to place a saucer of water underneath each seedling. As long as the room is sufficiently warm, the water will evaporate, humidifying the air immediately surrounding the young soursop plant. Remember to keep the saucer topped up with water. You can also mist the plants using a spray bottle to simulate a humid environment.

Preparing the Garden for the Soursop Seedlings

When the soursop seedlings approach 12 inches in height, you can start to prepare an outdoor area in which to plant them. The spot that you choose should be sunny and protected from the wind. You also need soil that is rich and well-draining with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. You can test the soil acidity using a soil pH meter. If your soil is not acidic enough, you can add sulfur to bring the pH down to the required range. It is unusual for soils to naturally have a pH lower than 5.0, but if your soil is too acidic, then you can add lime to increase the alkalinity. You should also rake a two-inch layer of compost into the soil to increase the nutrient content in preparation for transplanting the seedlings.

Transplanting the Soursop Seedlings

Space the soursop seedlings at least 12 feet apart, so that each has plenty of room to grow. You will need to dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of each seedling. Place the seedling into the hole, fill in the hole with soil, then add a three-inch layer of mulch around the tree to keep the soil moist and protect the roots from cold weather.

Caring for Young Soursop Trees

During the first year, add half a pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer to each soursop tree, once per quarter. You can double the amount of fertilizer in the second year. In each subsequent year, add three pounds of fertilizer each quarter. You should also reapply a thick layer of mulch every year in preparation for winter.