Feijoa

Acca sellowiana – Pineapple Guava (Feijoa)

Acca sellowiana, commonly known as Pineapple Guava or Feijoa, is an evergreen fruiting shrub or small tree native to South America. It is prized for its fragrant, edible fruit, ornamental value, and drought tolerance. This hardy plant is popular in home gardens, orchards, and edible landscapes.

Key Features

• Fruit:
  • Small to medium-sized green fruits with a sweet, tropical flavor reminiscent of pineapple, guava, and mint.
  • Aromatic, juicy flesh with a soft, slightly grainy texture.
  • Typically ripens in late autumn to early winter.
• Flowers:
  • Beautiful, red and white flowers with prominent stamens in spring to early summer.
  • Flowers are edible and have a sweet, fruity taste.
• Size:
  • Can grow as a dense shrub or small tree, reaching 3-5 meters (10-16 feet) in height and 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) in width.
  • Easily pruned to maintain size or shape.
• Foliage:
  • Thick, oval, silvery-green leaves that provide year-round greenery.

Best Uses

✅ Edible Landscaping: Produces delicious fruit and ornamental flowers.
✅ Hedging & Screening: Can be trimmed into a dense privacy hedge.
✅ Specimen Plant: Works well as a feature plant in gardens.
✅ Container Growing: Can be grown in large pots for balconies or patios.
✅ Pollinator Attraction: Flowers attract bees and hummingbirds.

Growing & Care Tips

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil but is adaptable to various soil types.
• Watering:
  • Drought-tolerant once established.
  • Water regularly when young and during fruit development for better yields.
• Climate:
  • Grows well in temperate to warm climates.
  • Can tolerate light frost but prefers mild winters.
• Fertilizing:
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer to encourage fruiting.
• Pruning:
  • Can be pruned to maintain size and shape.
  • Removing dead or weak branches improves airflow and fruit production.
• Pollination:
  • Some varieties are self-fertile, but planting multiple trees improves yield.
  • Cross-pollination by bees or hand pollination may increase fruiting.

Why Grow Feijoa / Pineapple Guava?

• Delicious, tropical-flavored fruit packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Low-maintenance and drought-resistant, ideal for low-water gardens.
• Evergreen foliage for year-round interest.
• Beautiful, edible flowers add to its ornamental appeal.
• Versatile growth habit – can be used as a fruiting shrub, hedge, or specimen tree.

A hardy and rewarding plant, Feijoa, Acca sellowiana is a fantastic addition to home gardens and permaculture landscapes, offering both beauty and delicious fruit! 🌿🍈