How to Grow Soursop Tree from Cuttings: A Complete Guide

How to Grow Soursop Tree from Cuttings: A Complete Guide

Soursop, also known as Graviola or Annona muricata, is a tropical fruit tree known for its large, spiky green fruit with soft white flesh and a unique sweet-sour taste. While most people grow soursop trees from seeds or grafting, growing them from cuttings is a lesser-known but effective method when done correctly. In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to successfully grow a soursop tree from cuttings, including preparation, propagation, care, and maintenance.

Why Grow Soursop from Cuttings?

Growing soursop from cuttings has several advantages:

• Faster fruiting: Unlike seed-grown trees that may take 4–5 years, cuttings can bear fruit in 2–3 years.
• True-to-type plants: Cuttings produce genetically identical clones of the parent tree, ensuring the same fruit quality.
• Cost-effective: You can propagate multiple trees from a single healthy soursop plant.

Step 1: Choose a Healthy Mother Plant

Start by selecting a mature and healthy soursop tree that has already produced quality fruit. Make sure the plant is:

• Free from disease or pests
• At least 2–3 years old
• Well-established and actively growing

This will increase the chances of rooting success and ensure strong new growth.

Step 2: Take the Cuttings

Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife to cut semi-hardwood branches—these are branches that are not too young and soft or too old and woody.

• Cutting length: 8 to 12 inches (20–30 cm)
• Thickness: About the size of a pencil
• Nodes: Each cutting should have at least 3–4 nodes (leaf joints)
• Time of day: Early morning is best when the plant is well hydrated

Remove all but 2–3 leaves from the top of the cutting to reduce water loss through transpiration.

Step 3: Prepare the Cuttings

To increase rooting success:

• Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder or gel (optional but highly recommended).
• Let the cuttings air dry for 1–2 hours in a shady area to reduce the risk of rot.
• Optionally, scar the base of the cutting lightly to expose more cambium layer, which may enhance root formation.

Step 4: Plant the Cuttings

Use a well-draining potting mix. A good rooting medium consists of:

• 50% coconut husk or peat moss
• 25% perlite or sand
• 25% compost or worm castings

Steps:

1. Fill a pot or nursery bag with the mix.
2. Make a hole and insert the cutting about 2–3 inches deep.
3. Firm the soil around the cutting.
4. Water lightly to moisten the mix, but avoid waterlogging.

Place the pots in a shaded and humid area or inside a mini greenhouse if possible. Maintain consistent moisture.

Step 5: Provide Proper Growing Conditions

Cuttings will need the right environment to root:

• Humidity: 70–90% humidity helps prevent drying out
• Temperature: 24–30°C (75–86°F) is ideal
• Shade: Bright indirect sunlight or filtered light

To maintain humidity, cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag or use a humidity dome. Make sure the cover does not touch the leaves.

Step 6: Monitor for Rooting

Rooting may take 4–8 weeks depending on conditions. Signs of rooting include:

• New leaf growth from the top
• Resistance when you gently tug the cutting
• Roots visible through the drainage holes (if in pots)

Be patient and keep the medium moist but not soggy. Remove any cuttings that show signs of rot.

Step 7: Transplanting the Rooted Cuttings

Once roots are 2–3 inches long and new growth is visible, it’s time to transplant your soursop plant to a larger pot or directly into the ground.

Soil:

• Rich in organic matter
• Well-drained
• pH between 6.0–7.0

Spacing: If planting outdoors, give at least 10–15 feet of space between trees.

Watering:

• Keep the soil evenly moist
• Avoid overwatering, especially during the first few months

Step 8: Ongoing Care for Young Soursop Trees

1. Sunlight: After transplanting, gradually introduce your tree to full sun.
2. Watering: Water 2–3 times per week, depending on weather.
3. Mulching: Use straw or leaves to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
4. Fertilizing: Use organic compost or a balanced fertilizer every 6–8 weeks.
5. Pest control: Watch out for aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. Neem oil or insecticidal soap works well.
6. Pruning: Trim weak or crossing branches to encourage a strong central trunk.

Step 9: Flowering and Fruiting

Soursop trees typically flower 2–3 years after planting from cuttings. The flowers are yellow-green and often pollinated by hand to ensure fruit set.

• Pollination: Since natural pollinators are rare, hand-pollinating with a small brush can increase yield.
• Fruit maturation: Soursop fruits take 3–5 months to ripen after pollination.

Final Tips

• Always use healthy and disease-free parent plants.
• Keep the cuttings in a humid environment until rooting occurs.
• Be patient—propagation takes time, but the result is worth it.
• Once your tree is established, it can produce delicious soursop fruits yearly for many seasons.

Conclusion

Growing soursop trees from cuttings may require more care than seeds, but it’s a rewarding process. With the right technique, a little patience, and consistent care, you can enjoy your own homegrown soursop tree in just a few years. Whether you’re growing it for its delicious fruit or its traditional medicinal uses, a soursop tree is a valuable addition to any tropical garden.