Feijoa Trees

How to choose a feijoa

The Apollo Feijoa is a well known variety with large, flavoursome fruit and good yields. The Unique Feijoa is self fertile and is valued for sweet fruit. The Feijoa and the Feijoa Pineapple Guava are further forms of the same species, and are handsome shrubs in their own right.

Feijoas are partly self fertile, but cross pollination between two different varieties lifts crops noticeably, so planting two varieties near each other is worthwhile if you want a good harvest.

Where feijoas grow

Feijoas thrive in cool to mild temperate climates and handle light frost, though they need some winter chill to fruit well. They also grow in warm temperate and subtropical gardens, but the crop can be lighter in heat and humidity. They like full sun, will accept part shade, and are tolerant of wind, which makes them a good fruiting windbreak. Mature plants reach three to four metres.

For similar plants, see our fruit trees, the edible plants and fast growing privacy trees.

Feijoas are good value in a small garden. The plant is attractive all year, with silver backed foliage, and it is sold both as a fruit tree and as a screening shrub. It tolerates salt laden wind, so it is a sensible choice for coastal gardens too, as long as it is not in constant exposure to the sea.

The flowers appear in late spring, with fleshy white petals and bright red stamens. Birds visit them, and the petals can be eaten fresh, with a sweet, slightly spicy taste.

Planting and spacing

Plant in a sunny spot in well drained soil with compost mixed in. As a hedge or screen, space plants about two metres apart. As individual fruiting shrubs, allow three metres. Mulch the roots and keep the mulch off the stem.

Care basics

Water regularly while the plant is establishing, and through dry periods once it is fruiting. Feed in spring with a fruit tree fertiliser. Prune lightly after harvest to open the centre and keep the plant in check, because fruit is carried on the new growth of each season. The ripe fruit falls from the tree, so collect it from the ground when it is slightly soft, and scoop the flesh with a spoon. The petals are edible too and add colour to salads.

Fruit that has fallen is ready to eat. Leaving it on the ground for a day or two to soften sweetens it, and a ripe fruit will give slightly when pressed. The fruit stores in a cool place for a week or so.

Common questions

Do I need two feijoas?

Some varieties are self fertile, but all crop better with a second variety nearby for cross pollination.

How long until feijoas fruit?

Usually three to five years from a young plant, sooner from a larger one.

When do feijoas ripen?

Mainly in autumn, from March to May, depending on the variety and your climate.

Can I grow a feijoa in a pot?

Yes, in a large pot, though the crop is lighter than from a plant in the ground.