Feijoa is also known as ‘Pineapple Guava’. Feijoas are a type of fruit that is native to South America, the highland plains of southern Brazil and Paraguay. They are oval in shape and have green skin with white flesh. The flavor of Feijoas is a combination of pineapple, mint, and lemon. Feijoas can be eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies. They are also a good source of Vitamins A and C.
To grow Feijoa, start with a seedling or cutting from an existing plant. Plant the seedling in early spring in an area that gets full sun. Feijoas need well-drained soil and should be fertilized monthly. Water the plants deeply once a week. Harvest the fruit when it is soft to the touch and the color has changed from green to brownish-black.
Soil
Feijoas are delicious, unique fruit that can be quite tricky to grow. They thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. The ideal potting mix for Feijoas would be composed of 40% composted pine bark, 40% coarse sand, and 20% perlite.
It is important to make sure that the potting mix is well-aerated and drains easily to avoid root rot. Clumpy soil leads to root diseases and other issues resulting in the plant’s death.
Feijoas should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a high-phosphorus fertilizer. With the right care, Feijoas can be a fun and rewarding addition to any garden!
Watering
Feijoas grow best in moist, well-drained soil. Water the tree deeply and regularly during its first growing season to help establish a deep, extensive root system. After that, water only when the top inch or so of soil is dry to the touch.
When watering, soak the ground thoroughly until water begins to run off from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Allow the pot to drain thoroughly before watering again.
During winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks. Feijoas are drought tolerant and can survive prolonged periods without water, but they produce more fruit if given adequate moisture.
Flowering
Flowering feijoas are a type of feijoa that produces flowers before the fruit matures. The flowers are white or pale pink and have a strong fragrance. Flowering feijoas are typically grown for their ornamental value rather than for their fruit.
However, the fruits of these trees are edible and have the same flavor as those of non-flowering feijoas. Flowering feijoas can be found in nurseries and online retailers that sell tropical plants.
Fruiting
Feijoas should be fertilized regularly, and the leaves should be kept free of debris. Feijoas will begin to bear fruit after 3-5 years. Once they start bearing fruit, they produce fruit for 10-20 years. After that, the plants gradually decline in growth and eventually die.
Propagation
While they grow best in warm climates, with a little care they can also be successfully grown in locations with cooler summers. Feijoas can be propagated from seed, but growing them from cuttings is generally quicker and easier.
When taking cuttings, choose a healthy branch and make sure that each cutting has at least two leaves. The cuttings should then be placed in potting mix and kept moist until they have rooted. Once the roots have developed, the Feijoas can be transplanted into their permanent location. With a little patience, you can enjoy homegrown Feijoas for many years to come.
Pests and diseases
The most common pests that attack Feijoas are scale insects and mites. These tiny creatures can cause extensive damage to the leaves and fruit of the plant. In addition, Feijoas are also susceptible to fungal diseases such as botrytis and powdery mildew. Left unchecked, these diseases can weaken the plant and reduce its fruiting potential. Fortunately, there are many effective products on the market that can control these pests and diseases.
Irritation to pets
The leaves, stems, and fruit of the Feijoa tree contain saponins, which can cause stomach upset and vomiting in dogs and cats. If your pet ingests any part of a Feijoa tree, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. While the symptoms are generally not life-threatening, they can be very uncomfortable for your pet. With proper treatment, most pets recover quickly from their experience with Feijoa.
