How to Grow Feijoa in Australia
A cool-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing your own Feijoa is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$8-12/kg. Trees produce prolifically for decades with minimal care.
This guide covers when to plant Feijoa in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Feijoa is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in May, June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Mammoth
Large fruit. Widely available in Australia. Needs a pollinator variety nearby.
Try: Daleys, Flemings, garden centres
Apollo
Good flavour, self-fertile (will fruit alone). Reliable in Australian conditions.
Try: Daleys, Flemings, garden centres
Gemini
Self-fertile. Large oval fruit. Good pollinator for other varieties.
Try: Daleys, Flemings
Position and Soil
Give Feijoa full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 50cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Feijoa into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 300 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Acca sellowiana. Also called pineapple guava. Hardy evergreen shrub with aromatic green fruit that tastes like pineapple-guava-mint. Flower petals are edible and sweet. Massively popular in NZ, underrated in Australia. Thrives in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and cool highlands. Plant two varieties for cross-pollination.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 4 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Fruit fly and Guava moth. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Feijoa is typically ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Ripen on bench until slightly soft. Fridge for 1 week. Freeze pulp for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, feijoa is good cut in half and scooped out fresh, made into jam and chutney, baked into crumbles and cakes and blended into smoothies. Nutritionally: very high in vitamin C and rich in dietary fibre.
Companion Planting
Feijoa grows well alongside Fruit trees and Comfrey. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Feijoa Growing
Add feijoa to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Feijoa in Australia?
Feijoa is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in May, June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Feijoa take to grow?
Feijoa is generally ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Feijoa in a pot?
Yes. Feijoa grows well in a container of 50cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Feijoa need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Feijoa in the Plant Library
