Editing Annona × atemoya (section)

== Flowering, fruiting, and harvest ==
Atemoya flowers are protogynous: the female phase is receptive earlier in the day, while pollen is released later. Nitidulid beetles are reported as natural pollinators, but natural fruit set can be poor or misshapen where beetles are scarce or bloom conditions are cool and dry. Hand pollination is often useful. UF/IFAS reports that hand pollination can improve fruit set and shape substantially, while the cultivar 'Gefner' is reported to crop satisfactorily without hand pollination under Florida conditions. 'African Pride' and 'Bradley' generally require hand pollination for dependable production in that setting.[[#cite_note-1|[1]]]

Harvest fruit when it has reached full size and the spaces between the protuberances have widened and become yellowish. Fruit picked too immature may darken and shrivel without ripening properly. Clip fruit from the branch, allow it to soften at room temperature, and refrigerate only after ripening; UF/IFAS reports a short refrigerated life of about two to four days for ripe fruit.[[#cite_note-1|[1]]][[#cite_note-2|[2]]]