Grafted Paxton Prolific Custard Apple (Annona squamosa x Annona cherimola)

Indulge in a rich, sub-tropical favorite right from your own backyard! The Paxton Custard Apple (an Atemoya hybrid) is widely considered one of the best commercial and home-garden varieties available in Australia, prized for its large, high-quality fruit and irresistible taste.

Yielding large, heart-shaped fruits with tender, creamy white flesh, the Paxton boasts a sweet, aromatic flavor reminiscent of vanilla, pineapple, and banana. It features a lower seed count compared to standard custard apples, giving you more luscious fruit in every bite.

While native to sub-tropical regions, the Paxton Custard Apple is well-adapted to Perth’s warm Mediterranean climate when planted in a sunny, frost-free microclimate with protection from strong winds.

Key Features

• Exceptional Custard Flavor: Produces large, sweet, heart-shaped fruit filled with smooth, creamy flesh that tastes like tropical fruit custard.
• Low Seed Count: Features significantly fewer seeds per fruit than traditional varieties, making it far easier and more enjoyable to eat fresh.
• Compact Tree Habit: Naturally grows to a manageable height of 3 to 4 meters, making it well-suited for suburban backyards, large pots, or sheltered courtyards.
• Heavy Cropper: Reliable bearer that yields generous crops during the cooler months when other tropical fruits are out of season.
• Self-Fertile: Capable of setting fruit on its own, though gentle hand-pollination can significantly increase fruit set and overall yield.

Care & Growing Tips for Perth

• Position: Plant in a warm, sunny, north-facing spot sheltered from harsh winter winds and frost. Microclimates against a sunny brick wall or sheltered patio are ideal.
• Soil: Requires rich, highly organic, well-draining soil. In Perth's sandy ground, enrich heavily with compost, manure, and soil improver. Sensitive to wet, waterlogged roots.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist throughout spring and summer while flowering and setting fruit. Reduce watering during winter when growth slows.
• Cold & Frost Protection: Protect young saplings with frost cloth or temporary shelter during their first few Perth winters until they develop sturdy, woody stems.
• Pruning: Prune annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain shape, open the canopy for light, and encourage strong fruiting wood.

Quick Specifications

• Botanical Name: Annona squamosa x Annona cherimola 'Paxton'.
• Common Name: Paxton Custard Apple / Atemoya.
• Growth Habit: Semi-deciduous, compact fruit tree.
• Mature Size: 3m – 4m height (easily kept smaller with annual pruning).
• Harvest Season: Late Autumn to Spring.
• Pollination: Self-pollinating (Hand-pollination increases crop yield).