How to Grow Feijoa
iNaturalist
Feijoa
Acca sellowiana
shrubFeijoa is a subtropical evergreen shrub native to South America that produces distinctive egg-shaped fruits with a unique flavor combining pineapple, guava, and mint. The plant is prized for both its ornamental appeal with attractive foliage and showy red-and-white flowers, and its nutritious, vitamin C-rich fruits. It's becoming increasingly popular in temperate climates as a novelty edible landscape plant.
When should you plant Feijoa in your zone?
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Example Feijoa timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Feijoa
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Feijoa
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Feijoa dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 8-11; can survive to zone 7b with protection
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Get my Feijoa timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Nursery
6-12 monthsSmall plants with tender, emerging leaves; slow initial growth
Protect from frost; maintain consistent moisture; provide shelter from strong winds; fertilize monthly with dilute fertilizer
Vegetative Growth
2-4 yearsEstablished shrub with dense, silvery-green foliage; no flowers yet
Prune to shape; fertilize monthly during growing season with balanced or slightly high-potassium fertilizer; maintain consistent watering; mulch to retain moisture
Flowering
Spring (2-3 months)Beautiful ornamental red-and-white flowers with prominent red stamens appear on branch tips
Plant at least two different varieties nearby for cross-pollination to improve fruit set; deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; avoid fertilizing with excess nitrogen which reduces flowering
Fruiting & Development
3-4 monthsSmall green fruits develop after successful pollination; fruits gradually enlarge and mature
Thin fruits if overcrowded for larger individual fruits; maintain consistent watering; provide balanced fertilizer; protect from pests and diseases
Harvest Ready
Late summer to early autumnFruits reach full size (2-3 inches), turn greenish-yellow or yellowish-green with slight softness when gently pressed
Monitor ripeness; harvest when slightly soft; store in cool conditions; can improve flavor if left on tree a few extra weeks after reaching full size
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune affected branches; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide or neem oil if severe
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Remove fallen fruits promptly; use fruit traps; maintain good sanitation
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
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Prune infested growth; spray with horticultural oil; use systemic insecticide if necessary
Uses
Fresh Eating & Smoothies
CulinaryFeijoa fruits have a unique flavor profile combining pineapple, guava, and mint notes. The flesh inside is scooped directly from the skin or used in smoothies, yogurt, desserts, and beverages. [source]
Jam & Preserves
CulinaryHigh pectin content makes feijoa ideal for producing jams, jellies, and marmalades. The fruit's unique taste creates distinctive spreads and can be combined with other fruits. [source]
Vitamin C & Antioxidant Source
MedicinalFeijoa fruits are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants including iodine and polyphenols. Traditionally used to support immune function and digestive health. [source]
Ornamental Landscape Plant
HouseholdThe attractive silvery-green evergreen foliage and showy red-and-white flowers make feijoa an excellent decorative shrub for Mediterranean and subtropical gardens, serving dual purpose as edible and ornamental. [source]
Savory Dishes & Sauces
CulinaryThe unique mint and tropical notes of feijoa work well in chutneys, glazes for meats, and fusion cuisine applications. South American cuisines incorporate the fruit into various traditional dishes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest fruits when they reach full size (2-3 inches) and yield slightly to gentle pressure, typically late summer to autumn. Fruits ripen off the tree, so pick when approaching ripeness. Cut or gently twist fruits from branches. Can be harvested at firm stage and ripened indoors at room temperature for 3-5 days. Peak flavor develops when fruit is slightly soft but not mushy.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Feijoa is native to the highlands of southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, where it grows wild in cloud forests at high elevations.
- 🌱 The plant requires cross-pollination from a different variety to produce fruit, so planting at least two genetically different feijoa plants significantly increases fruit yield.
- 🌱 Feijoa flowers are edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are used as ornamental garnishes for salads and desserts in gourmet cuisine.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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