Cherimoya vs Custard Apple in Sydney (forum)

GG starts with ...
Hi all.
I'm in Sydney.
I am still tossing up between a Cherimoya or Custard Apple.
Which would you grow, and what variety, and why?
Fino de Jett, Sophia, African Pride or Pinks Mammoth?
Which of these would require hand pollination and which wouldn't?
Please save me from potential insanity. :)

Time: 15th June 2016 10:39am

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About the Author GG
Lindfield
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Waterfall says...
Hi GG,

I'm in Sydney and grow a FDJ cherimoya and paxton prolific atemoya (custard apple) and find they both grow at similar rates, both are very healthy plants. My trees are about 2 - 3 years old and they both flower but have not set fruits on their own. I think this year they will be big enough to hold a couple of fruits so I may hand pollinate some of the flowers.

Check out my FB page if you want to see what else I have growing in Sydney.

https://www.facebook.com/urbanfruitfarmer/

Time: 16th June 2016 9:38am

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Original Post was last edited: 16th June 2016 9:40am

About the Author Waterfall
WATERFALL,2233,NSW
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GG says...
Hi Waterfall,
I got a Paxton Prolific with the Avocado in Canley Vale. I'm hoping it won't require hand pollination. I have been told it doesn't require hand pollination if you have the smaller native bees around.
I understand that Cherimoya require hand pollination without the south american beetle that normally pollinate them. I was hoping that a native insect may have adopted the role, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Time: 23rd June 2016 6:47pm

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Lindfield
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Waterfall says...
Hi GG,

I know some people in QLD have had self pollination with the paxton prolific. Mine is not very old so maybe once larger it will set some fruit on its own.

Here is a recent photo.

Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 24th June 2016 8:02pm

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About the Author Waterfall
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Markmelb says...
As a bit of history -- my 4 yo paxton has only ever self pollinated in autumn when its damp warm and humid - (it currently still holds 2 very tiny fruit size of a small olive) tried by hand many times as is a prolific flowering type -- so see how you go? may take a couple years of strategic pruning to create strong branches as fruit weigh alot :)

Time: 24th June 2016 9:07pm

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Original Post was last edited: 27th June 2016 9:21pm

About the Author Markmelb
MOUNT WAVERLEY,3149,VIC
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AC1 says...
Ive got a Paxton Profilic tree growing in Adelaide approx 4 years old has set 2 fruits this year one fruit is extremely large and the ther half size of other.You need lots of patience for trees to set fruit.If I can grow this one and set fruit in Adelaide you shouldnt have any trouble growing it in Sydney.

Time: 25th June 2016 5:32pm

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GG says...
Hi all.
Thanks for the feedback.
I will be getting a couple native bee hives going to help with all my fruit trees. I have a few hibiscus going in an attempt to introduce hibiscus beetle to the garden. I have also heard that allowing a custard apple to overripen and rot at the base of the tree will attract beetle pollinators from far around. It won't be good in regards to fruitfly, so I will give that a go after its second year of flowering with no fruit.

Time: 28th June 2016 2:17pm

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About the Author GG
Lindfield
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