| Weight | 17 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10 × 10 × 48 in |
| Tree Size | 3 Gallon Tree |
31 in stock
$40.00
Thai Lessard Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa) – A Premium Cultivar From Thailand
The Thai Lessard Sugar Apple is a top-tier tropical fruit tree, prized for its creamy, custard-like fruit and manageable size. Originally from the Americas but widely cultivated in Thailand, this cultivar is known for superior flavor, easy maintenance, and adaptability to container growing. Sweet, aromatic, and highly sought after in warm climates, the fruit is ready to enjoy fresh from the tree.
Quick Facts:
• Botanical Name: Annona squamosa
• Common Name: Thai Lessard Sugar Apple, Sweetsop
• Family: Annonaceae
• Native Region: Tropical Americas, naturalized in Southeast Asia
• USDA Zones: 9–11 (container growable in 8+)
• Mature Size: 10–15 ft tall and wide; smaller in containers
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7)
• Moisture: Regular watering during fruiting; drought-tolerant once mature
• Self-Fertile: Yes
• Fruiting Time: Summer to fall
• Time to Fruit: 1 year
• Best Uses: Fresh eating, smoothies, desserts
Climate & Protection: Performs best in USDA zones 9–11. Young trees should be protected from frost; mature specimens tolerate short dips to 28–30°F. Great for containers in colder zones if overwintered indoors.
Soil & Watering: Prefers rich, well-draining soil with moderate moisture. Avoid soggy conditions to prevent root rot. A slightly acidic pH of 5.5–7 is ideal. Mulch can help retain moisture during hot months.
Light Requirements: Requires full sun for best fruiting. Provide at least 6 hours of direct light per day.
Size & Pruning: Naturally reaches 10–15 ft, but easily managed under 8 ft with light annual pruning. Prune after harvest to improve shape, airflow, and fruiting wood.
Fruit & Flavor: Produces 2–5″ heart-shaped fruit with green skin and bumpy scales. The interior pulp is creamy, sweet, and fragrant, with flavor notes reminiscent of pineapple, mango, and vanilla.
Pollination & Fruiting: Thai Lessard is self-fertile but benefits from good insect activity. Flowers appear in spring to early summer; fruit ripens in late summer through fall.
Propagation: Can be grown from select cultivar seeds with stabilized genetics, grafting is unnecessary. These plants typically take 1 year to produce.
Care & Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer (8-3-9 or 10-10-10) quarterly during active growth. Watch for pests like mealybugs or fruit borers; neem oil and proper airflow help mitigate issues.
Is Thai Lessard Sugar Apple self-fertile? – Yes, it fruits without another tree.
How tall does it get? – Around 10–15 ft tall and wide; keep under 8 ft with pruning.
Can I grow it in a container? – Yes. It’s well suited to pot culture with size control and protection from cold.
How long until it fruits? – trees fruit rapidly within 1 year.
When does it fruit? – Usually late summer into fall, depending on climate.
What does the fruit taste like? – Sweet, soft, tropical custard-like flavor with hints of mango and vanilla.
Is it cold-hardy? – Somewhat. Mature trees handle down to ~28°F briefly; protect young plants below 32°F.
Any pests to watch for? – Mealybugs, scale, and fruit borers; maintain airflow and treat with neem oil if needed.
SHIPPING
Carriers and Services
We ship all orders via UPS, offering Standard, Expedited, and Overnight services. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on your location and the selected service.
Winter Shipping Advisory
Cold Weather Alert: Tropical trees are highly sensitive to cold temperatures. During colder months, our greenhouses maintain warm, optimal conditions for growth, which makes plants more vulnerable to cold damage during shipping.
Recommendations: If temperatures along the shipping route are below 40°F, we recommend holding your order until it’s safe to ship. We will notify you if a delay is necessary.
No Freeze Warranty: We do not guarantee plants shipped during freezing conditions. Shipping in cold weather is at the buyer’s discretion and risk.
Shipping Schedule
Local (In-State) Shipments: Orders ship Monday through Wednesday to ensure delivery before the weekend. Most locations within the state receive deliveries in 1 to 2 days.
Out-of-State Shipments: Orders ship primarily on Monday and Tuesday to avoid weekend delays.
Packaging and Damage Claims
Plants are carefully packaged to minimize the risk of damage during transit. However, if damage occurs, you must contact us within 24 hours of delivery.
Submit clear photos of the packaging and the plant to southeden@outlook.com. Claims cannot be processed without photos.
Order Processing and Pickup
Orders placed before 5:00 PM are processed the same business day.
Local pickups are available between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays and are processed on the same day.
Returns
All sales are final.
Due to agricultural regulations, we cannot accept returns or exchanges on any items, including live tropical trees.
If you receive an incorrect or damaged item, contact us at southeden@outlook.com within 3 days of delivery. Claims must include clear photos of the packaging and item to be reviewed. We’ll work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Thank you for supporting South Eden Edible Nursery! We appreciate your understanding and are committed to ensuring your plants arrive in the best possible condition.
