Pineapple guava
Also known as
Feijoa, Guavasteen, Brazilian guava, New Zealand guava
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Pineapple guava
Feijoa sellowiana (syn. Acca sellowiana) is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the myrtle family, prized for its aromatic fruit and edible flowers. Native to the highlands of southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, it forms a dense, wind-tolerant plant 2–5 m tall (occasionally taller). Opposite, leathery leaves are gray-green above and silvery beneath, lending year-round texture. In late spring, showy blossoms with fleshy white petals and a tuft of crimson stamens attract bees and birds; the sweet petals are edible. Egg-shaped, blue-green fruits ripen in autumn, with a distinctive guava–pineapple–mint fragrance and creamy, granular pulp. Feijoa adapts to a range of well-drained soils, tolerates coastal conditions and brief drought once established, and makes an excellent hedge or specimen. For consistent crops, most cultivars benefit from cross‑pollination. Minimal pruning is needed to open the canopy and renew fruiting wood, and it is generally pest‑resistant, though scale and fruit moths can be issues regionally.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Pineapple guava
Water
Water deeply and infrequently to wet the root zone 30–45 cm. During flowering and fruit set, aim for a thorough soak about weekly, adjusting for heat, wind, and soil; 15–25 liters per established shrub is typical. Allow the surface to dry slightly between irrigations, but avoid prolonged drought, which reduces fruit size. Reduce watering in winter. In containers, irrigate when the top 2–3 cm of mix is dry, and always provide excellent drainage; never leave the pot standing in water.
Light
Provide full sun for best bloom and fruit—at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily. The plant tolerates light or dappled shade, but yields and sweetness decline with insufficient light. In very hot regions, gentle afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch and reduces heat stress without compromising production. Indoors or on balconies, place near a south‑ or west‑facing exposure and consider supplemental grow lights 12–14 hours in winter. Maintain good air circulation around the canopy.
Nutrients
Feed sparingly but consistently. In late winter or early spring, top-dress with compost, then apply a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer (8‑8‑8 or 10‑10‑10) at bud break; repeat a lighter application after fruit set. Emphasize potassium to support flowering and fruit quality. Avoid high nitrogen after midsummer to prevent lush, frost‑tender growth. Container plants respond well to a citrus/fruit‑tree formula at half strength monthly during active growth. Supply micronutrients (iron, manganese, zinc) if leaves pale, and maintain a 5–8 cm organic mulch to conserve moisture.
Temperature
Best in USDA zones 8b–11. Established plants tolerate brief cold to about −9 to −12 °C (15–10 °F), but flowers and young fruit can be damaged below −2 °C (28 °F). Ideal growing temperatures range from 15–27 °C (59–81 °F). Extended heat above 35 °C (95 °F) may cause flower or fruit drop; provide afternoon shade, mulch, and steady moisture in hot inland climates. A modest winter chill improves fruit set; container plants can be moved to shelter during freezes.
