Gefner Atemoya Tree | Sweet Pineapple-Scented Custard Apple

Gefner Atemoya

5 Gallon

$199.00

1/4

Gefner Atemoya

Annona cherimola x A. squamosa

Sets Fruit Without Hand-Pollination • Reliable, Heavy Producer • Smooth, Sweet & Nearly Seedless

$199.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Gefner Atemoya is the gold standard for reliability and ease in the atemoya world, making exotic flavor accessible to every gardener. This superb hybrid (cherimoya x sugar apple) produces large, heart-shaped fruit with smooth, custard-like white flesh that is sweet, aromatic, and contains very few seeds. Its greatest advantage is that it sets fruit reliably without hand-pollination, a trait that sets it apart from many other Annonas. Fast-growing, productive, and manageable, Gefner is the perfect choice for a first-time grower seeking a guaranteed harvest of delicious tropical fruit.

Prized for its ability to set fruit profusely without hand-pollination, making it incredibly low-maintenance.
Flesh is sweet, smooth, and creamy with a delightful tropical flavor and very few seeds.
A vigorous, fast-growing tree that begins bearing heavy crops within 2-3 years of planting.
Can be easily pruned to maintain a small tree or large shrub size (8-12 ft).
More cold-tolerant than its sugar apple parent, expanding its growing range.
The fruit has a slightly bumpy, green skin that softens when ripe.

Flavor Profile:

Flavor: Sweet and pleasantly aromatic, combining the best notes of cherimoya and sugar apple without being overly rich.
Texture: Smooth, creamy, and custardy with minimal fibers.
Best Uses: Excellent for fresh eating. Also great in smoothies, blended into drinks, or used as a dessert topping.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Flowers: Small, triangular pale-yellow blossoms on long stems; self-fruitful.Foliage: Oval, leathery leaves with prominent veining; semi-deciduous.Fruit:Large heart-shaped form.Smooth green skin with distinctive knobby protrusions.Luxuriously creamy white flesh with velvety texture.Exceptionally sweet, tropical flavor (honey-vanilla notes).Few dark brown, glossy seeds
Habit: Semi-evergreen tree with spreading canopy
Mature Height: 25-30 ft (can be maintained under 10 ft with summer pruning)
Mature Width: 15-20 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Needs: Full sun (minimum 6 hours daily)
Key Advantages:Self-pollinating (unlike many Annonas).Premium dessert fruit - renowned for its silky texture.Reliable producer in warm climates.Drought-tolerant once established
Special Attributes:Summer pruning maintains smaller size (ideal for home gardens).Extended harvest season (July-October in most areas).Low seed content (higher flesh ratio than sugar apple)
Landscape Uses:Tropical fruit orchards.Container growing (when pruned).Edible landscaping.Pollinator gardens (attracts beneficial insects)

Q: Is it really no-pollination needed?
A: Yes, 'Gefner' is parthenocarpic, meaning it can develop fruit without pollination. This makes it uniquely reliable and productive with minimal effort. Fruit may have fewer or no seeds as a result.

Q: How does its flavor compare to cherimoya?
A: It is slightly less complex and intense than a top-tier cherimoya like 'Honeyheart', but its consistent sweetness, smooth texture, and incredible reliability make it a favorite for home growers. It's an excellent, worry-free introduction to the Annona family.

Q: When should I prune it?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Summer pruning after harvest can also help control size and shape.