How to Grow Feijoa Coolidge
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Feijoa Coolidge
Acca sellowiana 'Coolidge'
shrubFeijoa Coolidge is a self-fertile cultivar of the pineapple guava, a South American evergreen shrub prized for its uniquely flavored, egg-shaped fruits. Unlike most feijoa varieties, Coolidge can set fruit without a pollinator, making it ideal for home gardens. The plant produces ornamental red and white flowers and dense, silvery-green foliage.
When should you plant Feijoa Coolidge in your zone?
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Example Feijoa Coolidge timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Feijoa Coolidge
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 Coolidge
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Feijoa Coolidge dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-11; can tolerate brief freezes to 12°F (-11°C)
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Get my Feijoa Coolidge timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1 yearYoung plant developing strong root system and woody framework; relatively slow growth in first year
Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Mulch around base. Avoid heavy fertilizing. Stake if needed in windy locations.
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsDense, mounding shrub with small opposite leaves; silvery-gray foliage becomes more prominent; plant reaches 8-12 feet if unpruned
Prune to desired shape in early spring. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Maintain consistent moisture.
Flowering
4-6 weeksOrnamental flowers with red sepals and white petals with prominent red stamens appear in late spring to early summer
No special care needed. Flowers are insect-pollinated but Coolidge is self-fertile. Avoid heavy pruning during flowering.
Fruit Development
3-4 monthsSmall hard green fruits develop from flowers, gradually enlarging and softening over several months
Thin fruits if overcrowded (space 4-6 inches apart) for larger individual fruits. Maintain consistent watering. Apply potassium-rich fertilizer to support fruit development.
Harvest & Ripening
Harvest extends over several weeks in late fall to winterFruits mature to yellow-green color, develop sweet pineapple-strawberry flavor, and begin to soften; ripe fruits drop naturally
Pick fruits when they yield slightly to pressure and have sweet aroma. Can harvest and ripen indoors. Store in cool conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect regularly; spray with horticultural oil or neem oil in early spring; prune heavily infested branches
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs for small infestations; spray neem oil; prune affected foliage
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Harvest fallen fruits promptly; use baited traps; maintain cleanliness around plant
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; treat with fungicides if present; consider replanting in raised beds
Uses
Fresh eating and tropical beverages
CulinaryThe sweet, aromatic fruit is eaten fresh with a spoon, scooped directly from the skin. Rich flavor blends pineapple, strawberry, and guava notes. Used in smoothies, juices, desserts, and as a gourmet fruit. [source]
Jams, preserves, and desserts
CulinaryHigh natural pectin content makes feijoa ideal for making jams and pastes. Also used in yogurts, ice creams, and as a filling for pastries. [source]
Antioxidant and digestive health
MedicinalRich in vitamin C, polyphenols, and dietary fiber supporting immune function and digestive health. Leaves have been traditionally used for anti-inflammatory purposes. [source]
Ornamental landscape plant
HouseholdDense evergreen foliage, attractive red and white flowers, and colorful fruits make Coolidge an excellent dual-purpose ornamental shrub for edible landscapes and Mediterranean-style gardens. [source]
Pollinator and bird garden plant
WildlifeFlowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Mature fruits attract birds and provide food for wildlife. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Fruits ripen in late fall through winter (November-February in Northern Hemisphere). Harvest when fruits yield to gentle pressure and emit sweet fragrance. Fruits will drop naturally when fully ripe; collect from ground daily. Can pick slightly underripe fruits and ripen indoors at room temperature for 3-5 days. Peak harvest occurs 3-4 years after planting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Feijoa Coolidge is self-fertile, eliminating the need for multiple plants for fruit production—a major advantage over other feijoa varieties that require cross-pollination.
- 🌱 The fruit's unique flavor profile earned it the name 'pineapple guava,' though it is botanically distinct from true guavas and originates from the highlands of southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
- 🌱 Feijoa plants can live 50+ years and become increasingly productive with age, with mature specimens yielding 50-100 pounds of fruit annually in ideal conditions.
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