My Garden
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial plant | |
| Culinary Usage | Edible plant | |
| Medicinal Usage | Medicinal Usage | |
| Duration to maturity | 3 years to harvest | |
| Estimated Plant Lifespan | 50 years lifespan | |
| Sun Requirements | 6+ hours direct sunlight (Full Sun) | |
| Pollination | Method: animal Notes: Feijoa is primarily pollinated by insects, particularly bees and sometimes birds (especially in its native range). While some cultivars are self-fertile, cross-pollination with a different cultivar generally leads to larger fruit set and more abundant, higher-quality fruit. Manual pollination can be performed by gently transferring pollen from one flower to another using a small brush to increase productivity, particularly in areas with limited natural pollinators. | |
| Watering Requirements | Method: top water Frequency: When establishing, water regularly to keep soil consistently moist. Once established, they are somewhat drought tolerant but perform best with deep, regular watering, especially during dry spells and fruit development. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Notes: Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture and stabilize soil temperature. | |
| Humidity Requirements | Level: moderate | |
| Care Instructions | Regular pruning is beneficial for shaping the plant, improving air circulation, and enhancing fruit production. Prune to remove dead or diseased branches, to thin out crowded areas, and to maintain a manageable size. Mulching around the base of the plant helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and provide a slow release of nutrients. Protect young plants from severe frost. | |
| Alternative Names | Acca sellowiana, Orthostemon sellowianus, Guavasteen, Pineapple Guava |
Cultivars
Quaking Aspen has an extensive and aggressive root system that can rapidly spread and compete fiercely with Feijoa for water and nutrients, particularly in drier conditions, potentially stunting the Feijoa's growth and fruit production.
Large, fast-growing deciduous trees like White Ash can develop dense canopies that would severely shade out Feijoa, reducing its fruit production which relies on ample sunlight. Their extensive root systems also compete for water and nutrients.
Scale insects (e.g., Hemispherical Scale, Cottony Cushion Scale) appear as small, immobile bumps on stems, leaves, and fruit. They feed on plant sap, causing yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and the excretion of honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth on the plant surface.
Various species of fruit flies (e.g., Mediterranean Fruit Fly) lay eggs in ripening fruit. The larvae (maggots) hatch and feed inside the fruit, causing it to rot, become soft, and fall prematurely. Infested fruit will have small puncture marks or visible larvae upon cutting open.
Leafroller larvae (caterpillars) roll or fold leaves and secure them with silk, feeding on the enclosed leaf tissue. This can cause defoliation, distorted growth, and reduced photosynthetic capacity, weakening the plant.
Steps:
- Collect ripe fruit, extract seeds, and clean thoroughly to remove pulp.
- Optional: Stratify seeds in a moist medium at cool temperatures (around 4°C / 40°F) for 3-4 weeks to improve germination rates.
- Sow seeds thinly in a well-draining seed-starting mix, lightly covering them with mix.
- Keep the medium consistently moist and warm (20-25°C / 68-77°F). Germination can take several weeks to months. Note: Seed-grown plants may not be true to type and will take longer to fruit.
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings (4-6 inches long) from healthy, mature stems in late summer or early fall.
- Remove leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Insert cuttings into a well-draining propagation medium (e.g., perlite and peat moss mix).
- Provide warmth and high humidity, ideally using a misting system or by covering with a plastic dome. Rooting can take several weeks to months.
Neem Oil
A natural insecticide and fungicide effective against a wide range of pests like scale insects and fungal issues, working as an anti-feedant, repellent, and growth disruptor.
Compost Tea
A liquid fertilizer made from compost, rich in beneficial microorganisms and nutrients that enhance soil health, nutrient uptake, and plant vigor.
Diatomaceous Earth
A natural, non-toxic powder that works by dehydrating and abrading the exoskeletons of crawling insects, providing a physical deterrent against pests.
Organic Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer
Provides a balanced blend of essential nutrients specifically formulated to support the growth, flowering, and abundant fruit production of fruiting plants like Feijoa.
Beneficial Insect Attractant (e.g., flowering herbs)
Planting companion herbs like Borage or attracting insects with specific floral lures can increase the presence of beneficial predators that prey on common Feijoa pests.