The pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana or Feijoa sellowiana) is an appealing evergreen shrub or small tree native to the highlands of South America. It is admired for its attractive silvery-green foliage, unique flowers with edible petals, and delicious, aromatic fruit. Its hardiness and ornamental qualities make it a favored choice for various landscapes. Propagating pineapple guava offers a rewarding experience for gardeners.
Why Propagate Pineapple Guava
Propagating pineapple guava offers several advantages for home gardeners. It saves money on nursery stock, especially when acquiring multiple plants. Propagation also preserves desired traits from a parent plant, particularly for named cultivars that may not reproduce true-to-type from seed. This method allows gardeners to increase their plant collection for landscaping, such as creating hedges, screens, or adding more fruit-producing specimens to an orchard. It also offers the satisfaction of hands-on gardening.
Propagating From Cuttings
Propagating pineapple guava from cuttings is a dependable method for creating new plants identical to the parent. The optimal time to take cuttings is typically late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing, or in the fall using young wood. Select healthy, non-flowering shoots 6 to 12 inches long, making a diagonal cut just below a leaf node. Remove leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes.
Dip the cutting end into rooting hormone powder to improve success. Plant cuttings several inches deep in a well-draining potting mix, such as peat moss and perlite, gently patting the soil to secure them. To maintain high humidity, cover the planted cuttings with a plastic bag or place them in a mini-greenhouse. Position the container in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent rot. New leaf growth, typically after two months, indicates successful rooting.
Propagating From Seed
Growing pineapple guava from seed is another method, though it generally takes longer for plants to mature and bear fruit. Seeds can be collected from ripe fruit; simply rinse them to remove the pulp and allow them to air dry for a day or two. Soaking seeds in room temperature water for 1 to 24 hours can aid germination.
Plant seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix, such as peat moss, perlite, and sand. Sow seeds on the surface or cover with a very thin layer of medium. Maintain consistent soil moisture, avoiding saturation. Place seed trays or pots in a warm area with indirect sunlight, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20-25°C). Germination typically occurs within 2 to 6 weeks, though it can take longer. Plants grown from seed may not be identical to the parent, especially if it was a specific cultivar, and may produce varying fruit quality. Seed-grown plants can take 3 to 7 years to produce fruit.
Caring For Young Pineapple Guava Plants
After propagation, young pineapple guava plants require careful attention for successful establishment. Once seedlings or cuttings have developed a robust root system and several true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden. Before planting outdoors, gradually acclimate them to external conditions over 7 to 10 days, a process known as hardening off. This involves exposing them to increasing periods of sunlight and outdoor temperatures.
Newly planted pineapple guava plants need consistent moisture to establish their root systems. Water deeply every 2 to 3 days for the first two weeks, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. After this initial period, reduce watering frequency to once or twice a week, depending on temperature and rainfall, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. Applying a 2 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Young plants thrive in full sun, though in regions with intense summer heat, some afternoon shade can be beneficial. While pineapple guava generally does not require heavy fertilization, a light application of a balanced fertilizer can be given every few months during the growing season, using about half the recommended amount. Delaying fertilization until plants are well-established, typically in the fall after their first summer, can also be beneficial. When transplanting, ensure the site has well-draining soil, as pineapple guava does not tolerate overly wet conditions.