How to grow Pineapple Guava (Feijoa)
Updated October 2026
Pineapple guava, or feijoa (Acca sellowiana), is a tough evergreen shrub from South America with silvery leaves, showy red and white flowers whose petals are sweet and edible, and aromatic green fruit in fall that tastes of pineapple, guava and mint. It takes more cold than true guava, tolerates salt spray and makes an excellent hedge. Fruit sets best after some winter cold.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Feijoa (Pineapple Guava)
Not to be confused with: Pineapple guava is not a true guava (Psidium), although both are in the myrtle family. Older sources call it Feijoa sellowiana.
Where to plant
UF/IFAS lists pineapple guava for zones 8 to 11, in full sun or part shade, in a range of soils but preferring slightly acid ground. It is especially suited to coastal gardens because it tolerates salt spray. NC State notes consistent soil moisture is important for good fruit, and it flowers and fruits best in full sun.
It grows throughout Florida, but fruit is sparse in extreme South Florida, since plants fruit better after 50 to 200 hours of winter cold, and heat above about 100°F (38°C) can make fruit drop. It also suits the Gulf South, East Texas, California and Hawaii. In zone 8 parts of the Mid-Atlantic, it grows as a smaller shrub. The low desert is too hot and dry, Pacific Northwest summers are too cool for reliable fruit, and colder regions need a pot brought indoors.
Choosing a variety
For fruit, plant a named, grafted or cutting grown variety; seedlings are slow and their fruit quality varies. Coolidge, Nazemata and Pineapple Gem are self pollinating, and Coolidge performs well in Florida. Superba and some others need a second variety for good fruit set, and Mammoth bears large fruit and is partly self fertile. Planting two varieties improves fruit set even for self fertile types.
How to plant
- Plant a container grown plant after the last frost in spring, so the roots settle before winter.
- Set it at the depth it grew in the pot, in full sun, and water well.
- Mulch over the shallow roots to hold moisture and add organic matter.
Watering and feeding
Water deeply and regularly for good fruit, especially from flowering through fruit growth; during long droughts the plant can drop fruit and leaves. Mulch protects the shallow roots.
Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Established plants need little care beyond watering in dry spells.
Pruning and care through the year
- Prune lightly to shape the plant as a shrub, hedge, espalier or small single trunk tree; UF/IFAS notes it does well with minimal pruning.
- The fleshy flower petals are edible and sweet; picking a few does not harm the crop if you leave the center of the flower.
- Cover young plants in hard freezes in zone 8.
Harvesting
Fruit ripens from September through November, depending on variety. UF/IFAS notes the fruit is ready once the first fruits fall, and ripe fruit softens and turns a lighter green. Gather fallen fruit every day or two, or gently shake the branches over a tarp.
Cut the fruit in half and scoop out the pulp, or make jelly.
Growing in pots
Pineapple guava grows well in a large pot, at least 18 inches (45 cm) wide, in full sun, which lets you move it under cover in cold areas. Water regularly and feed lightly.
Propagation and saving seed
Named varieties are grown from cuttings taken in summer or by grafting. Seed is easy to sprout but gives slow plants with variable fruit.
Companion planting
Pineapple guava fits well in a mixed fruit hedge or orchard edge.
Good companions
- Fruit trees A useful evergreen shrub and windbreak at the edge of an orchard.
- Comfrey Its leaves can be cut for mulch around the shrubs.
Pests and diseases
NC State describes pineapple guava as generally problem free, though black scale and fruit flies occur in some areas.
Pests to watch for
- Scale Black scale: small dark bumps on stems with sticky honeydew and sooty mold.
- Fruit flies Maggots in soft, ripe fruit in some areas. Pick up fallen fruit promptly.
Pineapple Guava (Feijoa) is rarely troubled by disease.
Common questions
Do I need two pineapple guava plants?
Not for self pollinating varieties such as Coolidge, Nazemata and Pineapple Gem, although a second variety improves fruit set. Some varieties, such as Superba, need a partner.
How do I know when feijoas are ripe?
When the first fruits drop from the bush. Ripe fruit softens and turns a lighter green. Collect fallen fruit every day or two.
Can I eat pineapple guava flowers?
Yes. The fleshy petals are sweet, and some compare the flavor to marshmallow. Take a few petals and leave the flower centers to set fruit.
Why does my pineapple guava not fruit in South Florida?
It fruits better after 50 to 200 hours of winter cold, which extreme South Florida rarely gets. Very hot weather above 100°F can also make fruit drop.
How long until a pineapple guava fruits?
About 2 to 4 years after planting, with full crops at 8 to 10 years.
Is pineapple guava good for a hedge?
Yes. It takes pruning well, tolerates salt spray and keeps its silvery leaves all year.
Sources we checked: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Pineapple Guava; NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Acca sellowiana.
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