How to prune atemoya

Late winter to early spring (February to early March), just before bud break. Remove one-third of last season's growth, reducing long shoots to half or two-thirds their length. Thin crossing or crowded branches to open the canopy for light and air. Keep cuts clean and avoid pruning during flowering or when fruits are swelling.

Annually. Atemoya must be pruned annually to stay fruitful. It flowers on new wood, so removing about one-third of last year's growth each late winter triggers the flush of shoots that carry the season's crop. A June pruning can extend the harvest by inducing a second flush, but avoid pruning during active flowering or fruit swell — stress causes fruit drop.

Remove one-third of last season's growth, reducing long shoots to half or two-thirds their length. Thin crossing or crowded branches to open the canopy for light and air. Keep cuts clean and avoid pruning during flowering or when fruits are swelling.