The pineapple guava, Feijoa sellowiana, is a hardy evergreen shrub valued for its ornamental appeal and its unique, edible fruit. Native to the highlands of South America, this plant is an adaptable addition to many gardens, offering silver-backed foliage and striking edible flowers. Growing the pineapple guava successfully requires attention to its preferred environment and consistent maintenance practices.
Site Selection and Soil Requirements
The shrub performs best when planted in a site that receives full sun for a minimum of six to eight hours daily, though it can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates. Optimal placement often involves a protected spot, shielded from winds, which can damage the branches and flowers.
The pineapple guava is cold-tolerant for a subtropical fruit, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11 and capable of withstanding brief drops in temperature down to 12°F (-11°C). This resilience makes it a suitable choice for regions that experience light winter frosts. However, it does not tolerate high humidity environments well, such as those found in the southeastern United States.
The plant requires well-draining soil, as it is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. A slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is preferred, though it can tolerate a slightly more alkaline environment. If your soil is heavy clay or very sandy, it should be amended with organic matter, such as aged compost or manure, before planting to improve structure and drainage.
Essential Care and Maintenance
Once established in the correct location, the pineapple guava requires routine care centered on proper hydration and nutrient application. Newly planted shrubs need consistent moisture to establish their roots. While mature plants become drought-tolerant, consistent deep weekly watering during the flowering and fruiting period in summer is necessary to prevent fruit drop and maximize the yield.
The plant benefits from a regular fertilization schedule to maintain production. A balanced slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 NPK formula, is recommended. Applications should occur twice per year, typically in late winter or early spring just before new growth begins, and again in early summer. To avoid promoting susceptible new growth before a freeze, cease all fertilization two months before the area’s anticipated first frost date.
Pruning is typically minimal for this slow-growing shrub and is done primarily for shaping, promoting air circulation, and light penetration. The ideal time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before the flowers appear, or in the fall after the harvest is complete. Thinning out the interior branches that cross or grow inward improves light exposure, which aids in fruit ripening. Pineapple guava is pest-resistant, but gardeners should monitor for scale insects or fruit flies. These can be managed with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap applications.
Harvesting and Propagation
The unique fruit ripens in the late fall or early winter. Unlike many fruits, the pineapple guava does not typically change color dramatically, remaining a green or yellowish-green hue. The most reliable sign of ripeness is when the fruit naturally detaches from the branch and drops to the ground.
Spreading a tarp or cloth beneath the shrub during the ripening window allows for easy collection of the fallen fruit. The fruit is best eaten fresh shortly after it drops, as its shelf life is limited, though it can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks under high humidity. The pulp is scooped out of the skin and has a flavor profile that evokes a blend of pineapple, mint, and strawberry.
Propagating the pineapple guava can be done using two primary methods. Growing the plant from seed is relatively easy, with germination taking about three weeks, but the resulting plant may not produce fruit true to the parent variety due to genetic variability. The seedling will also take longer to fruit, often four years or more. For reliable fruit quality and faster production, vegetative reproduction through semi-ripe stem cuttings is the preferred method. Cuttings should be taken from young wood in the summer or fall, treated with rooting hormone, and rooted under bottom heat to improve success rates.