Pineapple Guava, Feijoa, Guava, Guavasteen, Feijoa sellowiana
Prized for its foliage, flowers and fruit, A handsome shrub worthy of inclusion in the border, as a screen or hedge. Tolerant of drought and salt winds, Pineapple Guava is well-suited to coastal gardens.
Acca sellowiana, commonly known as Pineapple Guava, Feijoa, or Guavasteen, is an attractive evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its ornamental appeal, edible fruit, and adaptability. Native to South America, it is widely cultivated for its sweet, aromatic fruit and showy, edible flowers.
Pineapple Guava belongs to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), which includes popular shrubs and trees such as Myrtle (Myrtus communis), Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta), and bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.).
Pineapple Guava originates from the highlands of southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina. It thrives in subtropical and warm temperate climates.
It is a slow to moderate-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense, rounded or spreading habit. Its silver-green foliage adds year-round visual interest.
Pineapple Guava typically grows 6 to 15 feet (1.8 to 4.6 meters) tall and wide, though it can reach up to 20 feet (6 meters) in warmer climates. It has a moderate to fast growth rate, typically adding up to 2 feet (60 cm) per year under optimal conditions. This versatile plant can be pruned into a hedge, trained as an espalier, or grown as a specimen tree
Pineapple Guava has a lifespan of several decades. Some plants have been known to thrive for over 50 years under optimal conditions, showcasing their resilience and adaptability to various environments.
The tree produces striking, bicolor flowers that measure 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Each blossom features four fleshy, slightly reflexed white petals tinged with pink and a dramatic cluster of bright red stamens tipped with golden-yellow pollen.
Blooming occurs from late spring to early summer, often in small clusters nestled in the leaf axils. These eye-catching flowers stand out against the silvery-green foliage, adding a dazzling touch to the landscape.
The delicately sweet, edible petals can be enjoyed fresh in salads, desserts, or as a decorative garnish.
Pineapple Guava produces small, oval to pear-shaped fruits that are typically 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long and weigh between 25-60 grams. The skin is waxy, blue-green to gray-green, sometimes with reddish patches, and is easily bruised. The flesh is juicy and granular, with a sweet-tart, tropical flavor reminiscent of pineapple, strawberry, kiwi, and mint. The fruits or Feijoas are eaten raw, used in jams, jellies, desserts, and as a topping for various dishes
Pineapple Guava has thick, leathery evergreen leaves that stay lush all year. The elliptical to ovate leaves, about 1 to 3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long, have a cool contrast—deep green and glossy on top, while the undersides are covered in soft, silvery fuzz. This gives the plant a velvety look and makes the foliage shimmer in the light, adding to its charm.
The bark is smooth and light gray, providing additional visual appeal, especially in mature trees.
Pineapple Guava is hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°F (-9°C). However, prolonged exposure to extreme cold may affect fruit production.
Pineapple Guava plays a significant role in supporting local wildlife, particularly in its native regions. Its flowers, fruits, and dense foliage make it a valuable plant for various species.
Once established, Pineapple Guava is drought-tolerant and adapts well to dry conditions. It also has moderate salt tolerance, making it suitable for coastal areas.
Pineapple Guava is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it safe for residential landscapes.
While it can naturalize in some areas, Pineapple Guava is generally not considered invasive.
Pineapple guava fruits ripen in late summer to fall, typically taking 4-7 months to mature. The best way to determine ripeness is when the fruit naturally drops from the tree. Ripe fruits are firm yet slightly soft, with a fragrant aroma. To harvest, gently shake the tree or pick fruits by hand when they detach easily. For the best flavor, allow fruits to ripen at room temperature before consuming. Enjoy them fresh, in smoothies, or in desserts.
Pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana) can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. While seeds take longer to mature into fruit-bearing plants, cuttings ensure faster growth and retain the characteristics of the parent plant.
Yes, pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana) is completely edible. The sweet, aromatic fruit can be eaten fresh by cutting it in half and scooping out the pulp. The slightly tart skin is also edible, though some prefer to remove it. Additionally, the flowers are edible and have a mild, sweet flavor.
Yes, pineapple guava and feijoa are the same plant. The botanical name is Acca sellowiana, but it is commonly called feijoa, pineapple guava, or guavasteen. Despite the name, it is not a true guava (Psidium guajava).
The fruit has a unique tropical flavor that combines notes of pineapple, guava, and strawberry with a hint of spearmint. The inner flesh is juicy and slightly grainy, while the outer skin can be tart. Fully ripened fruit has a stronger fragrance and sweeter taste.
While both belong to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), guava (Psidium guajava) and pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana) are different species. Guava is native to tropical regions, has a softer, rounder fruit, and often has pink or white flesh. Pineapple guava is more cold-hardy, has a waxy green skin, and a unique tropical flavor profile.
Some varieties of pineapple guava are self-pollinating, but cross-pollination between two different plants typically improves fruit set and yields. If planting for maximum fruit production, it’s best to grow at least two different cultivars.
Ripe pineapple guava fruit will have a slight give when gently squeezed and will emit a strong, sweet fragrance. The fruit naturally falls from the tree when fully ripe. If harvesting early, let it soften at room temperature before eating.
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
9 - 11 |
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruits, Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Myrtaceae |
Common names | Pineapple Guava |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m) |
Spread | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m) |
Spacing | 72" - 144" (180cm - 3.7m) |
Maintenance | Low, Average |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Birds |
Garden Uses | Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden, City and Courtyard |
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
9 - 11 |
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruits, Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Myrtaceae |
Common names | Pineapple Guava |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m) |
Spread | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m) |
Spacing | 72" - 144" (180cm - 3.7m) |
Maintenance | Low, Average |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Birds |
Garden Uses | Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden, City and Courtyard |
How many Acca sellowiana (Pineapple Guava) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
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Acca sellowiana (Pineapple Guava) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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