Feijoa (Feijoa sellowiana)
Feijoa—often called pineapple guava—is the kind of fruiting plant that earns its space twice: first as an attractive evergreen shrub with silvery-backed leaves, and then as a fragrant, tropical-tasting fruit that can ripen when many gardens are slowing down. When it blooms, feijoa becomes a conversation piece. The flowers are showy, with soft white petals and a burst of red stamens that look almost painted on.
The fruit is aromatic and unique—sweet, tangy, and often described as a blend of pineapple, guava, and mint. Feijoa can be eaten fresh (scooped with a spoon), used in jellies, syrups, and baked goods, or blended into smoothies. The petals themselves are commonly described as sweet and edible in small amounts, which makes the bloom season both beautiful and useful.
In Florida planting zone 9, feijoa is best treated as a “smart-site” shrub: give it excellent drainage and airflow, keep it mulched, and avoid low, soggy spots. Many cultivars fruit better with cross-pollination, so planting two compatible varieties is often the easiest way to boost yield.
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Acca sellowiana (syn. Feijoa sellowiana) |
|---|---|
| Family Name: | Myrtaceae (Myrtle family) |
| Common Name(s): | Feijoa, Pineapple Guava, Guavasteen |
| Size: | Typically 8–15 ft tall and 8–15 ft wide (can be maintained smaller with pruning) |
| Plant Type: | Evergreen fruiting shrub or small tree (perennial) |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to South America (commonly cited from southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Argentina) |
| Native to: | South America |
| Planted range in the USA: | Common in mild-winter regions (e.g., coastal California and parts of the Southeast); often grown as an edible ornamental |
| Status in Florida: | Non-native; generally grown as an edible landscape shrub (check local guidance for best-performing cultivars) |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened or endangered in typical garden contexts |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Plant in late winter through spring in Florida so roots establish before peak summer heat; fall planting can work in well-drained sites |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade (best flowering and fruiting in full sun) |
| Soil Type: | Well-drained loam or sandy loam; avoid waterlogged soils and low spots |
| Soil pH: | About 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral) |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; water consistently during establishment and during bloom/fruit set, then deep water during drought |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Moderate; compost and a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during active growth can help. Avoid excessive nitrogen if flowering is weak. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Light to moderate; prune after fruiting (or late winter) to shape, remove crossing wood, and keep the center open for airflow |
| Growth Rate: | Medium; typically about 12–24 inches per year once established (site dependent) |
| Companion Planting: | Pairs well with pollinator plants and living mulches; avoid dense, high-water companions that keep the base too wet |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate once established; consistent moisture improves flowering and fruit size |
|---|---|
| Frost Tolerance: | Moderate; established plants tolerate brief freezes. Flower buds/flowers can be damaged by late cold snaps |
| Heat Tolerance: | Good; handles heat best with mulch, consistent moisture, and airflow |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; use windbreaks in exposed sites to protect blooms and reduce fruit drop |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low to moderate; avoid direct salt spray and highly saline soils |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | Commonly cited 8–11 (best performance often reported in 8–10; cultivar selection matters) |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Fleshy berry-like fruit with aromatic pulp |
|---|---|
| Harvest Time: | Fall into early winter in many climates (often Sept–Dec, cultivar dependent). Harvest when fruit detaches easily or drops naturally—ripe feijoa often falls when ready, and should smell strongly fragrant. |
| Fruit Description: | Green, oval fruit; aromatic pulp that can taste like pineapple/guava with a sweet-tart finish |
| Edible Plant: | Yes |
| Edible Parts: | Fruit pulp (commonly scooped); petals are often considered edible and sweet in small amounts |
| Medicinal: | Not a primary medicinal plant in home gardens; research any traditional use claims carefully |
| Flower Color: | White petals with prominent red stamens |
| Flower Shape: | Showy, star-like flowers with thick petals |
| Fragrance: | Mild to pleasant; fruit is typically more aromatic than flowers |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Spring to early summer (often April–June; timing varies by weather and cultivar) |
| Bloom Duration: | Several weeks, with staggered bloom across the plant |
| Pollination: Self or Other? | Varies by cultivar; some are self-fertile, but many set heavier crops with cross-pollination. Bees and other visitors assist. |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees and beneficial insects during bloom; birds and small wildlife may investigate fallen ripe fruit |
|---|---|
| Pollinators: | Bees and other generalist pollinators; some regions report birds visiting flowers as well |
| Problematic Pest: | Can be affected by scale, aphids, and mites; fruit can attract fruit-feeding insects and animals as it ripens. Maintain sanitation (remove fallen fruit) and support airflow. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | Generally considered non-toxic |
|---|---|
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None commonly recognized as poisonous |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not toxic; as with many plants, sensitive individuals may experience mild irritation when handling sap or foliage |
| Toxic to Animals: | Not generally considered toxic; avoid allowing pets to consume large amounts of plant material |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Leaf spot and fungal issues in humid conditions, plus root problems if drainage is poor; prioritize spacing, airflow, and well-drained soil |
Companion Planting
For feijoa (pineapple guava), the best companions support pollinators during bloom, keep weeds down, and help stabilize moisture—without holding the trunk area wet. Below are Florida Native and Florida Friendly options that work well in edible landscape and food forest plantings.
Florida Native: Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)
Zone Range: 7–11
Benefits: Living mulch for weed suppression and small pollinator support; reduces soil splash onto foliage.
Use: Let it fill the outer dripline and paths near feijoa; keep a clear, mulched ring at the trunk.
Florida Native: Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Zone Range: 6–10
Benefits: Adds shrub-layer diversity and wildlife value; supports beneficial insects and birds.
Use: Plant nearby as a guild shrub companion, leaving spacing for airflow and light.
Florida Native: Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.)
Zone Range: Varies by species (many 8–11 in Florida)
Benefits: Strong pollinator draw; increases beneficial insect traffic during feijoa bloom and beyond.
Use: Establish as a sunny-edge pollinator strip around the planting.
Florida Friendly: Perennial Peanut (Arachis glabrata)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Dense groundcover for weed control; heat-tough; flowers support pollinators.
Use: Use between shrubs and paths; avoid covering the trunk flare and keep the immediate base open.
Florida Friendly: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Zone Range: 9–11
Benefits: Border clumps help define beds; provides chop-and-drop biomass for mulching.
Use: Plant as a perimeter clump a few feet away from the feijoa to avoid root crowding.
Florida Friendly: Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Zone Range: 9–11
Benefits: Fast living mulch and biomass; helps shade soil and reduce evaporation during hot months.
Use: Grow on the sunny side of the guild; keep vines from climbing into the feijoa canopy.
Keep the feijoa’s trunk area airy: no dense stems pressed against the base. Mulch broadly (but not touching the trunk), group companions by irrigation needs, and prioritize drainage. If you want heavier fruiting, consider planting two compatible cultivars within pollinator flight range to improve cross-pollination.
Sources & References
Reference list used for general horticultural guidance and Florida-relevant best practices (not medical advice):
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions — Florida-friendly planting practices, watering, and landscape guidance adaptable to edible shrubs and small fruit trees.
- UF/IFAS EDIS Publication Database — research-based references for soils, pests, diseases, and sustainable landscape management in Florida.
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — Acca sellowiana — botanical profile, growth habit, bloom traits, and landscape performance notes (incl. sun/soil preferences).
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program — water-wise, resilient landscape principles (mulch, irrigation efficiency, right plant/right place).
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — zone framework reference for cold-hardiness and site planning context.
- EPPO Global Database — general pest/disease terminology and reference framework when researching plant health issues.