Atemoya (Annona atemoya) is a delicious tropical fruit with a unique taste that is a cross between the sugar apple and cherimoya.
Atemoya is known for its creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor. The atemoya tree thrives in tropical and subtropical climates such as Florida.
This guide will unveil the best fertilizers and nutrient supplements that will help your atemoya tree produce a bountiful harvest.
The Best Atemoya Fertilizers
1. Osmocote Plus 15-9-12 Slow Release
Osmocote Plus 15-9-12 Slow Release fertilizer is an excellent choice for atemoya trees, providing a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K).
This slow-release formula ensures that the nutrients are available to the tree over an extended period, promoting healthy growth and fruit production.
Osmocote Plus also contains essential micronutrients that support the tree’s overall health.
- Composed of water soluble nutrients - Granular formula is coated with a film of plastic resin
2. Florikan Slow Release
Florikan Slow Release is another reliable fertilizer option for atemoya trees. This fertilizer offers a blend of macro and micronutrients that cater to the tree’s specific needs.
The slow-release formula ensures that the tree receives a steady supply of nutrients, promoting growth and fruit development.
- For nursery stock, woody ornamentals, flowering trees, shrubs, vines and perennials
- 85% polymer coated
- Contains Florikote and uncoated material
- Contains NPK and micro-nutrients for early, midterm, and long term release
- 20-4-9 formula, 6 to 8 month controlled release, 50 pound bag
Nutrient Supplements for Atemoya Trees
In addition to the best fertilizers, providing additional nutrient supplements can give your atemoya tree the extra boost it needs for optimal growth and fruit production.
1. Azomite
Azomite is a mineral supplement that provides essential trace elements to your atemoya tree.
Rich in over 70 minerals and trace elements, Azomite helps improve the tree’s overall health and supports robust fruit development.
- AZOMITE has been shown to improve root systems, yields and general plant vigor in a variety of applications; from field crops and orchards to lawn and garden use. AZOMITE helps remineralize nutrient-depleted soils. 100% naturally derived, AZOMITE is OMRI listed for use in organic production and farming.
- Organic Trace Mineral Powder w/ 67 Essential Minerals for Your Garden Bulk Fertilizer Powder-Be Green and Grow Your Own Food. Great for blending into soil mixes, hydroponic systems, Irrigation System Injection with Agitation, Greenhouse Potting Soil, Fertilizer, Home Gardens, Potted Plants
- Improves root systemsMicronized is a powder with flour-like consistency, where 90% of the particles will pass through a 200-mesh screen., yields and plant health
- Vegetable & Flower Gardens: Apply 1/2 lb per 100 square feet or 1/2 lb per 200 ft of linear row in a 6? wide band.
- This product is OMRI-Listed for use in organic production
2. Foliar Sprays
Foliar sprays effectively supplement your atemoya tree with nutrients that may not be readily available in the soil. Some popular foliar spray options for atemoya trees include:
- Alaska Fish Fertilizer: Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, this fish-based fertilizer provides a quick nutrient boost for your atemoya tree.
- Chelated Iron: Atemoya trees may experience iron deficiency, which can lead to yellowing leaves. Applying chelated iron as a foliar spray can help address this issue and improve the tree’s overall health.
- Kelp: Kelp is an organic source of micronutrients and plant growth hormones that can stimulate the atemoya tree’s growth and fruit production.
Organic and Sustainable Practices for Atemoya Trees
In addition to using the best fertilizers and nutrient supplements, incorporating organic and sustainable practices can help create a thriving environment for your atemoya tree.
1. Mulching
Mulching is an effective way to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and provide organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.
Using organic mulch, such as leaves, straw, or wood chips, around your atemoya tree can help promote healthy growth and fruit production.
2. Permaculture Planting and Chop-and-Drop
Permaculture planting involves planting companion plants around your atemoya tree that contribute to the tree’s health and overall ecosystem.
Chop-and-drop is a permaculture technique that involves cutting down nutrient-rich plants and using them as mulch around your atemoya tree. This helps return nutrients to the soil and supports a thriving environment for your tree.
Some popular companion plants for atemoya trees include pigeon pea, cassava, and Mexican sunflower.
These plants can provide nitrogen-fixing benefits and act as a natural mulch when incorporated into a chop-and-drop system.
3. Organic Natural Scraps
Another effective method to provide additional nutrients to your atemoya tree is by using organic natural scraps, such as kitchen waste and compost.
Composting fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and other organic materials creates nutrient-rich compost that can be added to your tree’s planting site, improving soil fertility and promoting tree growth.
Conclusion
Caring for your atemoya tree and ensuring it has the nutrients it needs to thrive is crucial for a bountiful harvest. By using the best fertilizers, such as Osmocote Plus 15-9-12 Slow Release and Florikan Slow Release, and providing essential nutrient supplements like Azomite and foliar sprays, you can give your tree the best chance for success.
In addition, implementing organic and sustainable practices like mulching, permaculture planting, chop-and-drop, and using organic natural scraps can further enhance the overall health of your atemoya tree. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying an abundant harvest of delicious atemoya fruits.
To learn more about atemoya and other tropical fruits, explore our other articles:
