How to grow feijoas in New Zealand
Despite originating in South America, few places in the world rival New Zealand’s appetite for the delicious feijoa – also known as the pineapple guava or acca sellowiana. In the summertime, buckets of feijoas become social currency among friends, family, workmates and neighbours.
Besides its iconic flowery taste, the feijoa’s bright red flowers are also a striking cultural symbol of the classic Kiwi autumn. Read our guide on how to grow your own feijoa plants in New Zealand.
When to grow feijoas
While this hardy fruit tree can be planted year-round, autumn is typically the best time to plant feijoas for many. They will then establish their roots over winter to prepare for new growth in spring.
- Plant feijoas – March to May
- Harvest feijoas– February to June
Note: if your area is affected by snow and hard frosts during winter, it’s a good idea to plant feijoas in spring (September to November) when the soil starts to warm.
Feijoa varieties to grow
Many feijoa varieties are available and grow successfully in New Zealand. Feijoa variety ‘Unique’ is considered self-fertile, whereas other feijoa types need to cross-pollinate in order to fruit.
Birds are the main pollinators of feijoas which are self-fertile, however, yield will be increased by planting two or more varieties and will also stretch out the fruiting season by planting early and late season fruiting varieties.
Some popular feijoa varieties in New Zealand are:
- For an early-mid season harvest: Anatoki, Apollo, Kaiteri, Kakapo, Kakariki, Pounamu, Unique, Wiki Tu.
- For a late-season harvest: Antoinette, Bambina, Den’s Choice, Golden Goose, Mammoth, Opal Star, Triumph, White Goose.
Planting your feijoa tree
While feijoas can grow in different climates and conditions, the best results will come from fertilised, free-draining soil and plenty of sun.
To plant your feijoa tree:
Planting feijoa as a hedge
Feijoa trees make great hedge plants – meaning you can get an attractive landscaping feature and a popular autumn fruit in one. Take care not to overtrim as it can reduce your crop, feijoas fruit on new seasons growth.
When planting feijoa trees as hedges, space them one metre apart, and five metres away from other trees.
Growing feijoa in pots
Feijoa trees thrive in well-draining soil, which makes them a great fruit tree to grow in pots.
To grow your feijoa in a pot:
Planting feijoa seeds
While it’s not the most common way of growing feijoa, you can plant feijoas from seed. Be aware that feijoa plants can be unpredictable when grown from seed and may not replicate their parent plant. They can also take longer to fruit (up to 7 years) compared to choosing a plant that is a grafted, named variety (between 3-5 years).
To grow your feijoa from seed:
Feijoa tree care
While feijoa trees are durable, they will need protection from temperature extremes – especially as young trees.
Use Scotts Osmocote Mulch & Feed to keep feijoa tree roots moist during dry periods and maintain warmth in colder temperatures.
Water your feijoa during summer months to support fruit production. Be careful to avoid overwatering, as this can affect the flavour of the fruit. You will also need to water your feijoa during any dry periods.
A soil-wetting agent such as SaturAid® Granular Soil Wetter will help to hydrate your feijoa tree if you don’t always have time for regular watering.
Common pests and diseases for feijoa
Like all plants, feijoas are susceptible to disease and pests. Common problems for feijoa include guava moth, myrtle rust, scale, and leafrollers. Learn how to protect your garden against common pests.
- Guava moth: a small black and white moth whose caterpillars burrow into the fruit – preventable by covering your feijoa tree with a fine netting once it begins flowering.
- Myrtle rust: this is a fungal disease that travels by wind. Look out for yellow or orange patches on leaves, brown spots and twisted leaves. Remove plants affected by myrtle rust to prevent spread.
- Scale: these are small insects that suck the sap from leaves and stems.
- Leafroller caterpillars: dark green caterpillars that feed on feijoa leaves.
Harvesting feijoa fruit
Grafted feijoa trees can produce fruit as early as two years after planting. If grown from seed, they might take up to seven years to start producing fruit.
It’s time to harvest your feijoa when you notice fruit appearing on the ground. A ripe feijoa will feel slightly soft to the touch. Wait until the feijoa is fully ripe before harvesting, as they don’t ripen much once you pick them.
When to prune feijoas in New Zealand
Give your feijoa tree a light trim after fruiting, during autumn and winter months. This supports new growth and greater fruit production for the next season. In regions prone to heavy frost it’s best to prune in early spring.
If you’re growing feijoa as a hedge, you may want to prune heavily to keep it in shape. However, be mindful that heavy trims might affect flower and fruit yields.
Tips
- Plant more than one feijoa variety to improve your chances of cross-pollinating and your yield of fruit.
- Apply mulch to protect your feijoa against colder temperatures, and water regularly during dry periods to keep roots moist
- Feijoa trees can double as a sturdy hedge, giving your property greater privacy and yielding tasty fruit over summer
- Feijoa trees don’t like being waterlogged. If your garden is made of heavy clay or can’t drain well, then a pot may be the best way to grow your feijoa.
Frequently asked questions
What is feijoa season in New Zealand?
Feijoa fruit will ripen from late summer through autumn (February – May) for most parts of the country.
In colder climates, feijoa fruit may start ripening towards the end of autumn and into early winter.
Are feijoas native to New Zealand?
No, but we certainly celebrate them as if they are!
Feijoas are originally from South America, and are considered native to Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina.
Where do feijoas grow?
Besides New Zealand, feijoas also grow in Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia. They can also be found in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and parts of Iran and Russia.
How does feijoa pollinate?
Birds are the main pollinators for feijoa, followed by insects. Birds are attracted to the nectar of feijoa flowers.
The Unique feijoa variety is self-fertile however – meaning they don’t require pollination from animals or insects.
Where is the best place to plant feijoa trees?
Feijoa trees prefer lots of sun, so picking a bright part of the garden that doesn’t get too much shade is best. Feijoas are wind-tolerant, so they make a great addition to coastal gardens.
