How to topwork Cherimoya tree.

[BonsaiBeast]

I've decided to convert my cherimoya tree to a better variety (suggestions welcome).

The tree was put in the ground as a 5 gallon 2 years ago.

There are not many good vertical branches for grafting.

Should I stump the tree and graft onto a fresh shoot?

[SeaWalnut]

Did it fruited in the pot?

[Oolie]

I have read that they need some "nurse branches" to remain for best results (branches with leaves).

I'm pretty aggressive with topworking the annonas, and on a recent trip to a nursery, I watched them graft a batch, where they stumped them extra low and cleft grafted. They claimed 95% or better success.

My favorite cherimoya variety is Pierce, but I also like El Bumpo, Sabor, and many others with exotic aromas.

As far a vertical shoots are concerned, aggressive pruning will cause the tree to make thick vertical shoots. I like to find branches slightly less that 60* from vertical if they are yet to harden off(achieve 3/8" diameter), but if they are already thick, I like to pick the 60* crotch angles, graft to those branches, leaving the dominant buds facing up, so that way when the graft shoots new growth, I can train the branches outward.

Either way, 60* angles are key due to the strength of the branch connection. You want a strong connection when a branch can hold 20+ pounds of fruit.

[Bush2Beach]

Just graft the good vertical branches between now and april with scions.