Pineapple Guava
feijoa sellowiana
Also known as: ["Acca sellowiana","Guaville"]
Overview
A small evergreen tree or shrub native to South America, known for its edible fruit and attractive flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Feijoa |
| Botanical Name: | Feijoa sellowiana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in temperate climates, or large container in cooler regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, after fruiting in late summer or early autumn.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) is ideal; tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer fruits.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a container plant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–14 days, depending on climate and soil moisture
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; adjust based on weather and soil moisture.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend heavy soils with organic matter; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures (50–80°F or 10–27°C); tolerates light frosts but may suffer in prolonged extreme heat or cold.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat sources; protect from extreme temperature swings; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Fertilize lightly; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; apply before new growth appears.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for preserving traits.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and partially shaded environment.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take several weeks to months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity around cuttings; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back; avoid excessive pruning of fruiting wood.
Pruning Plan
Prune to shape the plant, improve air circulation, and encourage fruit production; remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Sharp, clean bypass pruners, loppers for larger branches, pruning saw for thick stems.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after fruiting; remove dead/diseased wood; shape the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to maintain vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; avoid wetting foliage to reduce disease risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, slowed growth, or fruit drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth may slow or stop; young plants are more susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth in winter; plant in a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; fruit may abort; growth may slow.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially nitrogen-rich formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicFeijoa sellowiana is not considered toxic to cats. The fruit can be safely consumed in moderation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicFeijoa sellowiana is not considered toxic to dogs. The fruit can be safely consumed in moderation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicFeijoa sellowiana, commonly known as pineapple guava, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The fruit is edible and often consumed fresh or used in culinary applications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Feijoa sellowiana toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Feijoa sellowiana require a lot of maintenance?
A: It has moderate maintenance needs, requiring occasional pruning and watering.
Q: What are the uses of Feijoa sellowiana?
A: It is grown for its edible fruit, attractive flowers, and as an ornamental plant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, depending o |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
