Feijoa
Also known as pineapple guava, this attractive evergreen shrub produces egg-shaped fruits with sweet, aromatic flesh tasting of pineapple and mint.
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Meet Feijoa
Also known as pineapple guava, this attractive evergreen shrub produces egg-shaped fruits with sweet, aromatic flesh tasting of pineapple and mint. Feijoa is one of the most cold-hardy subtropical fruits, tolerating temperatures down to 12 degrees Fahrenheit once established. The edible flower petals are sweet and make a beautiful, unusual garnish for salads.
When to plant Feijoa
Feijoa seeds germinate readily but seedlings do not come true to the parent variety, so seed-grown plants are mainly used as rootstock or for ornamental purposes. Extract seeds from ripe fruit, wash off the pulp, and dry on a paper towel for a day. Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix, pressing lightly but not covering, as they need light to germinate. Keep at 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain consistent moisture. Germination takes 3 to 6 weeks. Transplant seedlings to individual pots when they have two sets of true leaves. For named varieties with guaranteed fruit quality, purchase grafted or cutting-grown plants from a reputable nursery.
Your Feijoa Year
Composed for Zone 7 · typical seasons · frost passes Apr 2, returns Nov 1
Sow Feijoa Mar – May, pick Oct – Dec. Set your climate below and every date on this plate re-times itself.
How to grow Feijoa
Feijoa is an evergreen shrub or small tree that typically grows 10 to 15 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent dual-purpose ornamental and fruit plant. It thrives in mild, maritime climates and is remarkably cold-hardy for a subtropical fruit, surviving temperatures down to 12 degrees Fahrenheit once established. Plant in full sun for the best fruit production, though partial shade is tolerated in hot climates.
Feijoas grow well in a range of soil types from sandy to clay, provided drainage is adequate. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established but produce better fruit with consistent moisture during the growing season. Apply a 3 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk. Fertilize lightly in spring and mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer.
Most feijoa varieties require cross-pollination for good fruit set, so plant at least two different cultivars within 15 feet of each other. Flowers are pollinated by birds and bees, and the fleshy, sweet petals are themselves edible. Pruning should focus on maintaining an open vase shape to allow light penetration and air circulation. Remove crossing branches and low growth in late winter before new growth begins.
Feijoa needs more room than a 4 × 8 ft bed gives
Each Feijoa wants 240 cm of elbow room. The planner keeps that spacing for you — every plant, every bed.
Feijoa's best neighbours
Feijoas benefit from the company of lavender and rosemary, which attract pollinators and repel certain pests. Comfrey planted nearby serves as a dynamic nutrient accumulator, with its deep roots mining minerals that benefit the feijoa when used as mulch. Nasturtiums and marigolds around the base help deter aphids and whiteflies. Avoid planting near walnut trees, which release juglone that can inhibit growth. Other fruiting companions like blueberries and citrus can share similar soil amendment routines and benefit from the same pollinators.
Lavender belongs beside it.
Old growers' knowledge, checked against Feijoa's real companion table below — test any plant you're growing.
Feed it well
Feijoas are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, from sandy loam to clay, provided drainage is good. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. These plants are moderately salt-tolerant, making them suitable for coastal gardens. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer such as 10-10-10 in early spring and again in mid-summer. Avoid heavy nitrogen applications, which promote leaf growth at the expense of fruiting. Supplement with potassium-rich fertilizer during the fruiting period to improve fruit quality. A 3 to 4 inch mulch layer of compost or bark chips helps maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Ideal Temperature
Hardiness Zone Compatibility
From seed to harvest, stage by stage
Establishment
After planting, the feijoa focuses energy on root development. Top growth is slow and the plant may look unchanged above ground for several weeks. Consistent watering and mulching are critical during this window.
Vegetative Growth
The plant puts on vigorous leafy growth, developing its characteristic dense, grey-green canopy. Branches thicken and the structure that will eventually carry fruit is established during this multi-month phase.
First Flowering
Typically from year two to three, the feijoa produces its first flush of striking flowers. Petals are white and fleshy with bright crimson stamens. Pollination by birds and bees sets the stage for fruit development.
Fruit Development
Small green fruits swell over three to five months following pollination. The skin remains green even at full maturity, making visual cues less reliable than the natural drop test. Fruits reach their final size before the flesh ripens.
Harvest Maturity
Feijoa fruits ripen in late summer through autumn, typically March to June in the Southern Hemisphere. Ripe fruits fall from the tree naturally. The flesh softens slightly and the aroma becomes intense and fragrant.
Dormancy and Recovery
After harvest, the tree enters a period of reduced growth. This is the ideal time to prune, feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser to build root reserves, and address any pest or disease issues before the next growing season begins.
Water deeply twice a week for the first three months, then reduce to once a week. Avoid disturbing the root zone.
Caring for Feijoa month by month
What to do each month for your Feijoa
July
You are hereNo specific care tasks for this month.
Harvesting Feijoa
Feijoa fruits ripen in mid to late autumn, typically October through December depending on climate. The best indicator of ripeness is when the fruit drops naturally from the tree or separates easily with a gentle twist. Ripe fruit has a strong, sweet, fruity aroma. Cut the fruit in half and scoop out the translucent, jelly-like flesh with a spoon. The flesh should be clear to slightly opaque; if white and gritty, the fruit is not yet ripe. If the flesh is brown, it is overripe. Harvest daily during the fruiting season as fruit ripens over several weeks.
assuming you sow when the window opens — set your real date
Pick Feijoa promptly and the plant keeps producing.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh feijoas are quite perishable, lasting only 3 to 5 days at room temperature once fully ripe. Refrigerate slightly underripe fruit for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, scoop out the flesh and freeze in airtight containers for up to 12 months. Feijoa makes excellent jam, jelly, chutney, and fruit paste. The pulp can also be dried into fruit leather or used in baking. Feijoa wine and liqueurs are popular in New Zealand, where the fruit is widely grown. The flesh oxidizes quickly when cut, so add lemon juice if appearance matters.
What goes wrong — and the fix
Guava Moth
PestLarvae tunnel into ripening fruit, leaving brown frass trails and causing internal rot. Fruit may drop prematurely or show small entry holes near the calyx end.
Scale Insects
PestSmall, round or oval bumps on stems and leaves, often brown or white. Heavy infestations cause leaf yellowing, reduced vigor, and sooty mold growth on honeydew secretions.
Botrytis Fruit Rot
DiseaseGray, fuzzy mold develops on ripening fruit, especially in cool, wet conditions. Fruit becomes soft and waterlogged, eventually collapsing and covered in gray-brown spore masses.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Poor fruit set is the most common complaint and is usually caused by lack of cross-pollination. Plant at least two different varieties for reliable fruiting. Fruit drop before ripening can result from water stress during the development period, so maintain consistent irrigation from flowering through harvest. Leaf yellowing may indicate iron deficiency in alkaline soils; apply chelated iron or sulfur to lower pH. Birds can damage ripening fruit, so use bird netting if this becomes an issue. In very hot climates, sunburn on exposed fruit can be a problem; maintain adequate canopy cover to shade developing fruit.
Growing Tips
- Plant two different feijoa varieties within 5 metres of each other to maximise cross-pollination. While some varieties are partially self-fertile, cross-pollination consistently produces heavier crops with larger, better-flavoured fruit.
- Feijoa prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Test your soil before planting and amend with sulfur to lower pH if necessary, as alkaline conditions cause yellowing of leaves due to iron deficiency.
- Apply a 10 cm layer of organic mulch — such as pea straw, wood chips, or compost — around the base of the tree, keeping it 10 cm away from the trunk. This regulates soil temperature, retains moisture, and suppresses competing weeds.
- Do not harvest feijoa by picking — wait for fruit to fall naturally. Fallen fruit at the correct stage of ripeness is sweeter and more aromatic than fruit picked early. Lay a soft net under the canopy during harvest season to catch fruit.
- Prune feijoa annually after the last fruit has fallen, removing crossing branches, dead wood, and inward-growing stems to maintain an open vase shape. This improves light penetration into the canopy and stimulates new fruiting growth.
- Feijoa responds well to potassium-rich fertilisation in late winter, just before flowering begins. Use a specialised citrus and fruit tree fertiliser or a sulfate of potash application to encourage strong flower bud set and fruit development.
- Young trees under three years old need protection from hard frosts. Use frost cloth or hessian to wrap the canopy on nights when temperatures are forecast to drop below minus 3 degrees Celsius until the tree is fully established.
- Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilisation during summer when fruit is forming, as excess nitrogen pushes leafy growth at the expense of fruit development and can delay ripening. Switch to a fruit-boosting low-nitrogen blend from late spring onwards.
- Feijoa trees in containers are possible but require a pot of at least 60 litres and regular feeding, as the restricted root zone limits both fruit production and tree longevity. Select compact dwarf varieties for container culture.
- Scale insects are the most common pest of feijoa. Inspect stems and the undersides of leaves regularly, and treat infestations promptly with horticultural oil spray in winter when the tree is dormant and scale insects are most vulnerable.
Pick your Feijoa
Apollo
Large, oval fruit with excellent flavor and smooth skin. Vigorous grower that produces heavy crops. Requires cross-pollination with another variety for best fruit set.
Gemini
Medium to large fruit with very smooth skin and sweet, aromatic flesh. Good pollination partner for Apollo. Compact growth habit suitable for smaller gardens.
Unique
One of the few self-fertile varieties, producing medium-sized fruit with good flavor without needing a pollination partner. Ideal for single-tree plantings in small spaces.
Coolidge
Self-fertile variety with medium-sized, pear-shaped fruit. Widely available and reliable producer. Good choice for gardeners who only have room for one tree.
Mammoth
Produces the largest fruit of any feijoa variety, up to 4 inches long. Rich, complex flavor with a creamy texture. Requires cross-pollination for best results.
A single mature feijoa tree producing 40–80 kg of fruit per season can save a household between $120 and $300 annually at typical retail prices of $3–5 per kilogram. Surplus fruit that would otherwise go to waste can be preserved as jam, chutney, or frozen puree, extending the value of each harvest across the entire year. Trees require minimal inputs once established — a yearly fertiliser application and annual pruning are the primary recurring costs — making feijoa one of the most economical fruit trees available to home growers in temperate climates.
Quick recipes
Feijoa and Ginger Smoothie
5 minutesA vibrant, aromatic smoothie that highlights feijoa's tropical-floral flavour. The ginger cuts through the sweetness and adds warmth, while banana provides creaminess and natural sweetness. Best enjoyed immediately after blending while the feijoa aroma is at its peak.
6 ingredientsFeijoa and Apple Crumble
20 minutes preparation, 35 minutes bakingA comforting autumn dessert that pairs the aromatic intensity of feijoa with the mild sweetness of apple. The oat and brown sugar crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch that balances the soft, jammy filling beneath. Serve warm with vanilla custard or thick cream.
9 ingredientsFeijoa Chutney
15 minutes preparation, 45 minutes cookingA tangy-sweet preserve that transforms seasonal feijoa gluts into a condiment lasting months in the pantry. The chutney pairs beautifully with aged cheddar, cold meats, and grain crackers. The vinegar and sugar balance the floral sweetness of the feijoa and create a complex, layered preserve.
9 ingredientsCulinary Uses
Feijoa flesh is eaten fresh by cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the aromatic, jelly-like interior. It makes exceptional smoothies, ice cream, and sorbet. Feijoa chutney and relish pair beautifully with cheese and cold meats. The fruit is widely used in baking for muffins, cakes, and crumbles. Feijoa jam and jelly are prized for their unique tropical-mint flavor. The edible flower petals can be added to salads or used as a sweet garnish. In New Zealand, feijoa is used in craft ciders, wines, and vodka infusions.
What's inside
Health Benefits
- Feijoa is one of the few fruits that provides a notable quantity of dietary iodine, a trace mineral essential for healthy thyroid function and metabolic regulation.
- The high dietary fibre content of feijoa (approximately 6.4 g per 100 g) supports healthy gut microbiome diversity, regular bowel movements, and sustained feelings of fullness after eating.
- Feijoa contains significant levels of vitamin C and polyphenolic antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals, reducing oxidative stress associated with chronic disease and cellular ageing.
- Preliminary research into feijoa leaf and fruit extracts has identified antimicrobial activity against several bacterial strains, suggesting potential applications in natural health and food preservation.
- The folate present in feijoa supports DNA synthesis and repair, making the fruit a valuable addition to the diet of women of reproductive age and anyone undergoing periods of rapid cell growth.
- Feijoa is relatively low in natural sugars compared to many tropical fruits, giving it a moderate glycaemic impact and making it a reasonable choice for people managing blood sugar levels.
Where Feijoa comes from
The feijoa, known botanically as Acca sellowiana, has its origins in the cool subtropical highlands straddling southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and the Misiones province of northern Argentina. It was first documented by European botanists in the early nineteenth century and named in honour of Brazilian naturalist João da Silva Feijó and German botanist Friedrich Sellow, who collected specimens in the region during his explorations of South America in the 1820s.
For much of the nineteenth century the plant was cultivated largely as an ornamental, prized for its striking crimson-stamened flowers and silvery-green foliage rather than its edible fruit. It was introduced to Europe in the late 1800s, with France and the Riviera region becoming early enthusiastic adopters. The fruit gained a small following in southern France, where it was grown in private gardens and occasionally sold in local markets, though it never achieved commercial scale in Europe.
The feijoa's fortunes changed dramatically when it was introduced to New Zealand in the early twentieth century, finding an ideal climate in the mild, maritime conditions of the North Island. New Zealand growers selected superior fruiting varieties and developed dedicated orchards, eventually establishing the feijoa as a seasonal staple of the New Zealand diet. Today the country produces the majority of the world's commercially grown feijoa crop, and the fruit holds an almost iconic cultural status similar to the kiwifruit.
In California and the Mediterranean, feijoa has been grown as a backyard fruit tree since the late nineteenth century. The state of California lists several ornamental varieties in its horticultural records dating back to 1900. Its tolerance of mild frosts, drought once established, and poor soils made it appealing to gardeners across a wide range of temperate climates.
Breeding programmes in New Zealand and increasingly in South America and Europe have produced numerous named cultivars optimised for fruit size, flavour, self-fertility, and season length, transforming the feijoa from a botanical curiosity into a commercially significant and globally distributed fruit crop.
Feijoa: did you know?
Fascinating facts about Feijoa
Feijoa flowers are completely edible — the fleshy white petals taste mildly sweet and floral, making them a striking garnish for desserts and fruit salads without harming the plant.
Feijoa questions, answered
When should I plant Feijoa?
What are good companion plants for Feijoa?
What hardiness zones can Feijoa grow in?
How much sun does Feijoa need?
How far apart should I space Feijoa?
What pests and diseases affect Feijoa?
How do I store Feijoa after harvest?
What are the best Feijoa varieties to grow?
What soil does Feijoa need?
How do I know when my feijoa fruits are ripe and ready to eat?
Does feijoa need a second tree for pollination, or can a single tree produce fruit on its own?
My feijoa tree flowers every year but produces very little fruit. What is causing this?
Can I grow feijoa in a pot or container?
How long does a feijoa tree live and how long before it becomes fully productive?
What is the best way to store and preserve feijoa fruit after harvesting?
You just read the theory. Now grow it on autopilot.
Everything that makes Feijoa fiddly — the timing, the spacing, the companions, the harvest window — is exactly what PlotMyGarden handles for you, for every plant in your garden.
A plan that knows your weather
Set your location once. Get sow, feed and harvest dates built around your real last-frost date and live forecast — no more guessing from a generic seed packet.
From the “When to plant” sectionDrag-and-drop bed planner
Design beds on a grid. Every plant snaps to its proper spacing, and you can see your whole season laid out before you spend a cent on seed.
From the “Growing guide” sectionCompanion conflicts, caught early
200+ good-and-bad pairings checked live as you plant — so a season-wrecking mistake never makes it into the ground.
From the “Companions” sectionReminders you'll actually act on
“Water the beans.” “Pick today before it turns.” Timely, specific, and tied to the plants you're really growing.
From the “Harvest” sectionSuccession, scheduled
Want a harvest for six weeks, not six days? It spaces your sowings automatically and reminds you when each new block is due.
From the “When to plant” sectionA record that gets smarter
Every harvest you log teaches it your garden. Next year's plan starts from what actually worked in your soil, not a textbook's.
From the “Overview” sectionPlant these alongside Feijoa
More Tropical Fruits
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