Feijoa, Feijoa sellowiana

Feijoa sellowiana (commonly known as pineapple guava or guavasteen) is a small evergreen tree or shrub native to South America. It’s popular for its attractive flowers, tasty fruit, and ornamental value. Here's some information about it:

Characteristics:

Height and Spread: Grows 10–15 feet tall (3–4.5 m) and wide.

Leaves: Thick, leathery, and silver-green on the underside.

Flowers: Showy, with fleshy white petals and long red stamens; edible with a sweet, floral flavor.

Fruit: Oval, green, and aromatic, with a sweet, slightly tart taste reminiscent of pineapple, guava, and strawberry.

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 8–11.

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Watering: Drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering helps fruit production.

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Uses:

Edible: Fruit can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and desserts. Petals are great in salads.

Ornamental: Used as a hedge, screen, or standalone specimen due to its attractive foliage and flowers.

Pollinator-friendly: Attracts bees and hummingbirds.

Care Tips:

Pruning: Light pruning to maintain shape or encourage dense growth.

Apply balanced fertilizer in spring to support flowering and fruiting.

Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-resistant but can occasionally encounter scale or fungal issues.

Growing Feijoa sellowiana (Pineapple Guava)

1. Planting

When to Plant:

Best planted in spring or early fall to allow roots to establish before extreme temperatures.

Location:

Choose a sunny spot for optimal flowering and fruit production. It tolerates partial shade but may yield less fruit.

Soil Preparation:

Ensure soil is well-draining.

Amend heavy clay soil with compost or sand.

Maintain a pH of 5.5 to 7.0.

Spacing:

Plant 10–15 feet apart for individual trees or 3–5 feet apart for a hedge.

2. Watering

Water deeply and consistently during the first year to establish roots.

Once established, water every 1–2 weeks during dry periods, especially during flowering and fruiting.
3. Fertilizing

Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring and midsummer.

Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit.
4. Pruning

Lightly prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches.

For hedges, prune after flowering to maintain shape.
5. Pollination

Although self-fertile, cross-pollination between two different varieties improves fruit set.

Bees and birds (especially hummingbirds) are excellent pollinators.
6. Frost Protection

Hardy to about 15°F (-9°C).

In colder regions, provide frost protection with mulch and frost blankets.

Using Feijoa sellowiana

1. Culinary Uses
Fruit:

Scoop out the flesh and eat fresh.

Add to smoothies, fruit salads, or yogurt.

Use in jams, chutneys, and desserts like cakes and sorbets.

Flowers:

The sweet petals are edible and can be added to salads or used as a garnish.
2. Ornamental Uses

Makes a striking hedge or screen with its dense, silvery foliage.

A beautiful addition to Mediterranean or subtropical garden themes.
3. Wildlife Habitat

Attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Fruit can also appeal to birds.
4. Medicinal Uses

The fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health.

Traditionally used in South America for its digestive benefits.