How to Grow Feijoa - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Feijoa is a plant. The fruit of the feijoa is edible and has a sweet taste. The feijoa is native to South America and is grown in many parts of the world.

How to Grow Feijoa - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Pineapple guava
  • Feijoa sellowiana
  • Guavasteen
  • Guayaba
  • Strawberry guava

Things to Know

  • Feijoas are native to South America and have been grown there for centuries.
  • The fruit was first introduced to Europe in the 18th century and has been grown there since.
  • Feijoas are subtropical fruits and need warm temperatures to grow well.
  • The fruit is oval-shaped and has a green skin.
  • Underneath the skin, the flesh of the feijoa is white or yellow and has a jelly-like consistency.
  • The flesh of the fruit is sweet and aromatic, with a flavor that has been described as a cross between a pineapple and a strawberry.
  • Feijoas are a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as fiber.
  • The fruits are typically eaten fresh, but can also be used in jams, jellies, and pies.
  • Feijoas are grown commercially in New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and California.
  • In some parts of the world, the fruit is known as pineapple guava or guavasteen.

How to Grow

  1. For feijoa, first step is to get a tree or a sapling from a nursery.
  2. Plant the tree or sapling in a sunny location in your garden.
  3. Water the plant regularly.
  4. Fertilize the plant once a month.
  5. Once the plant matures, it will start bearing fruits.
  6. These fruits can be eaten raw or used in making jams, jellies, pies etc.
  7. To get more fruits, prune the plant regularly.
  8. If you live in a cold climate, then you will need to protect the plant during winters.
  9. In case of diseases and pests, take help from a gardener or a horticulturist.
  10. With proper care, a feijoa tree can live for many years and bear fruits for decades.

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Feijoa grow best in a sunny position in well-drained soil. They are not too fussy but prefer a slightly acidic soil. If you have heavy clay soil, consider planting feijoa in a raised garden bed.

Light condition

Just like other plants, feijoas need sunlight to grow properly. However, they are a little more versatile than some other fruits and can tolerate partial shade. This means that they can be grown in a wide range of locations, from full sun to partial shade. The amount of sunlight will affect the size and abundance of the fruit, but the plant will still be able to produce a decent crop even in less than ideal conditions.

The Temperature

The temperature condition is perfect for feijoas. They need a warm climate to ripen properly, so they grow well in regions like California and New Zealand. In the United States, feijoas are grown in Hawaii, California, and Florida.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% to 60%. The feijoa is a fruit-bearing shrub or small tree in the myrtle family. Native to southern Brazil, northern Argentina, and Uruguay, it has been cultivated in these countries and in Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The feijoa is also known as the pineapple guava, guavasteen, or guayaba. The fruit is oval or pear-shaped, with a green or yellow skin and a white or pink flesh. The flesh is juicy and has a sweetness reminiscent of pineapple and strawberry. The feijoa is a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as potassium and fiber.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this plant doesn't need much. Once a month during growing season, using a low nitrogen fertilizer should be fine. Be careful not to overdo it, too much fertilizer can damage the roots. The roots are delicate, so be careful when you're watering, too.

About light

Pruning is an important part of maintaining a healthy feijoa plant. By pruning the plant, you are able to control its growth and shape. It is also important to remove any damaged or diseased branches.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. There are many ways to propagate plants, but the most common method is to use cuttings. To propagate a feijoa plant, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy, existing plant. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and dip the exposed end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist, well-draining potting mix, and place the pot in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and in 4-6 weeks, roots should begin to form. Once the roots are established, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or into the ground.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate during the day. However, there are a few hours in the late afternoon and early evening when the feijoa plant's growth rate significantly decreases. During these hours, the plant's leaves and stems become limp and its flowers close.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and anthracnose. These can all be controlled with a fungicide. The best time to use a fungicide is in the spring, before the flowers open.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to plant feijoa in an area that gets full sun.
  • Feijoa can be planted in both pots and the ground.
  • Although feijoa is a drought resistant plant, make sure to water it regularly during the first year until it is established.
  • Add mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to provide some protection for your feijoa plant.
  • Prune feijoa plants in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  • Feijoa plants are fairly self-fertile, but planting more than one will improve pollination and yield.
  • Harvest feijoas when they are green and slightly soft to the touch.
  • Feijoas can be eaten fresh, made into jam, or used in baking.

You May Like

  • Feijoa Guara
  • Feijoa Lemon
  • Feijoa Magnifica
  • Feijoa Pineapple
  • Feijoa Purple
  • Feijoa Berina
  • Feijoa Crimson
  • Feijoa Jumbo
  • Feijoa Red
  • Feijoa Strawberry Sun

Source:
Feijoa Fact Sheet - Fruit & Nut Research & Information Center - ucanr.edu
General | When and how to graft a Feijoa (Acca Sellowiana)?
Feijoa sellowiana derived natural Flavone exerts anti ... - Academia.edu

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