Feijoa is one of the most interesting backyard fruit trees you can grow, yet it is still relatively little known in Australia. In New Zealand, feijoas are extremely popular and often grown in home gardens, where the fruit is collected in autumn.
Also known as pineapple guava, feijoa produces small green fruit with a sweet, fragrant and tropical flavour. The tree is attractive, evergreen, productive and well suited to many Australian gardens, especially in cooler and temperate regions.
If you have been wondering whether feijoa can be grown in Northern NSW, South East Queensland or other parts of Australia, the answer is generally yes, although success depends heavily on your local climate, winter chill, variety selection and planting position.
What Is Feijoa?
Feijoa, botanically known as Acca sellowiana, is an evergreen fruiting shrub or small tree native to parts of South America. It is commonly called pineapple guava because of its tropical aroma and guava-like appearance, although it is not the same as the common tropical guava.
The tree usually grows to around 2–5 metres tall, depending on climate, pruning and growing conditions. It has attractive grey-green foliage, a naturally bushy habit and beautiful edible flowers with fleshy white and pink petals and bright red stamens.
Feijoa can be grown as a small fruit tree, hedge, screening plant or feature tree. This makes it especially useful for home gardeners who want something both ornamental and productive.
What Does Feijoa Taste Like?
A ripe feijoa has a distinctive flavour that is difficult to compare with any single fruit. It is often described as a mix of pineapple, guava, pear, strawberry and mint, with a strong tropical fragrance.
The flesh is soft, juicy and aromatic. Some people love the flavour immediately, while others find it unusual at first because it is more perfumed than many common fruits. Once people develop a taste for feijoa, it often becomes a seasonal favourite.
The easiest way to eat feijoa is to cut the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. The skin is edible, but it is usually more bitter and astringent than the sweet pulp, so many people prefer not to eat it fresh.
Why Is Feijoa So Popular in New Zealand?
Feijoa is much better known in New Zealand than in Australia. In many New Zealand gardens, feijoa trees are grown as backyard fruit trees, hedges or informal boundary plants. During the harvest season, it is common for people to share surplus fruit with neighbours, family and friends.
Part of the appeal is that feijoa trees are productive and relatively easy to grow in the right climate. The fruit also has a short seasonal window, which makes it feel special when it appears.
In Australia, feijoa is still something of a hidden gem. Many gardeners have never tasted one, but interest is growing as more people look for unusual, productive and low-maintenance fruit trees for home gardens.
Can You Grow Feijoa in Australia?
Yes, feijoa can be grown in many parts of Australia. It generally performs best in temperate to subtropical regions where winters are cool enough to support flowering and fruit set.
Feijoa prefers full sun, well-drained soil and protection from hot, drying winds. It is reasonably hardy once established and can tolerate light frost, coastal conditions and periods of dry weather. However, good watering during flowering and fruit development will usually produce better crops.
The best results are usually achieved in areas with mild summers and cool winters, such as parts of Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, southern and inland NSW, elevated Northern NSW and cooler parts of Queensland.
Can Feijoa Grow in Northern NSW?
Feijoa can grow well in many parts of Northern NSW, especially in elevated or cooler areas. Locations such as the Northern Tablelands, Dorrigo, Armidale and cooler hinterland areas are generally more suitable than very warm coastal lowlands.
The main issue is winter chill. Feijoa trees can grow in warm climates, but they often fruit better where they receive a cooler winter. In warmer coastal areas, the tree may grow strongly but produce fewer flowers or lighter crops.
For Northern NSW growers, the best approach is to choose a sunny but protected position, improve the soil with compost, mulch well and plant more than one variety where possible to improve pollination and yield.
Can Feijoa Grow in South East Queensland?
Feijoa can grow in South East Queensland, but results are variable. Cooler elevated areas are much better suited than warm coastal suburbs.
Good areas to try feijoa include Toowoomba, the Blackall Range, Maleny, Montville, Tamborine Mountain and other elevated locations that receive cooler winter temperatures.
In Brisbane, the Gold Coast and lowland Sunshine Coast, feijoa trees may still grow, but fruit production can be less reliable. If you are in a warmer part of South East Queensland, plant the tree in the coolest suitable position available, avoid reflected heat from walls or paving and choose varieties known for better self-fertility.
How Long Does Feijoa Take to Fruit?
The time it takes for feijoa to fruit depends on how the tree was grown. Grafted trees are usually the fastest and most reliable option for home gardeners. They may begin fruiting in around 2–4 years after planting, depending on the size of the tree and growing conditions.
Seed-grown feijoa trees usually take longer. They may take 4–7 years or more to produce fruit, and the fruit quality can be variable because seedlings are not always true to type.
For gardeners who want predictable fruit quality and faster results, named varieties or grafted trees are usually the best choice.
How Big Does a Feijoa Tree Grow?
Feijoa trees usually grow around 2–5 metres tall and 2–4 metres wide, depending on variety, climate and pruning. They naturally form a dense, bushy shape, which makes them useful as both fruit trees and screening plants.
They can be kept smaller with regular pruning, making them suitable for suburban gardens. Feijoas can also be grown in large pots, although container-grown trees need more regular watering and feeding than trees planted in the ground.
Because they are evergreen, they provide year-round structure in the garden, not just seasonal fruit.
Where to Plant Feijoa
Choose a position in full sun for best flowering and fruiting. Feijoa can tolerate some light shade, but too much shade usually reduces fruit production.
The soil should be well drained, fertile and improved with compost before planting. Feijoa does not like sitting in waterlogged soil, especially when young.
A protected position is ideal. Strong hot winds can dry out flowers, stress young trees and reduce fruit set. In hot climates, protection from afternoon heat can be helpful, provided the tree still receives plenty of light.
How to Plant Feijoa
Plant feijoa during the cooler months where possible. Autumn and early spring are often ideal because the tree has time to establish before extreme summer heat.
Before planting, dig a hole wider than the root ball and mix compost through the surrounding soil. Place the tree at the same depth it was growing in the pot, backfill gently and water deeply.
After planting, apply mulch around the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk. Mulch helps conserve moisture, protect the soil and reduce weed competition while the tree establishes.
Watering Feijoa Trees
Young feijoa trees need regular watering while they establish. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Once established, feijoa is reasonably drought tolerant, but fruiting trees perform much better with consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development.
Deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering. It encourages deeper roots and helps the tree cope better during dry weather.
Fertilising Feijoa
Feijoa trees benefit from feeding in spring and early summer. Use compost, well-rotted manure or a balanced fruit tree fertiliser to support healthy growth and fruit production.
Avoid applying too much high-nitrogen fertiliser, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
A yearly application of compost and mulch is one of the simplest ways to keep the tree healthy and productive.
Do You Need Two Feijoa Trees?
Some feijoa varieties are partially self-fertile, which means they can produce fruit on their own. However, planting two different varieties usually improves pollination and increases the crop.
Cross-pollination can lead to better fruit set, larger fruit and more reliable harvests. If you have enough space, planting two compatible varieties is usually worthwhile.
Bees and other pollinating insects are important for feijoa, so avoid using insecticides during flowering and consider planting flowers nearby to attract pollinators.
When Do Feijoas Fruit in Australia?
In Australia, feijoas usually ripen from autumn into early winter, often around March to May depending on the climate and variety.
One of the easiest ways to know when feijoas are ripe is that the fruit naturally drops from the tree. Many growers collect fallen fruit daily during the season.
If picking from the tree, choose fruit that comes away easily with a gentle twist. Fruit that is hard to remove is usually not ready.
How to Harvest Feijoa
Ripe feijoas are best collected as soon as they fall. Leaving them on the ground too long can lead to bruising, pest damage or over-ripening.
Once harvested, allow the fruit to sit at room temperature for a short time if needed. A ripe feijoa should feel slightly soft and smell sweet and fragrant.
Fresh feijoas do not store for a long time, so they are best eaten soon after harvest or used in cooking, preserving or freezing.
Can Feijoa Grow in Pots?
Yes, feijoa can be grown in large pots, especially smaller-growing or well-pruned trees. Choose a large container with excellent drainage and use a high-quality potting mix.
Potted feijoas need more regular watering than trees planted in the ground because containers dry out faster. They also need regular feeding during the growing season.
Container growing is a good option for patios, courtyards and smaller gardens, but the tree will still need plenty of sunlight to flower and fruit well.
How to Prune Feijoa
Feijoa does not need heavy pruning, but light pruning helps maintain shape, airflow and productivity.
Prune after fruiting or during late winter before strong new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, crowded or crossing branches. Open the centre slightly to improve air movement and light penetration.
If growing feijoa as a hedge, trim lightly and regularly rather than cutting it back hard. Excessive pruning can reduce the following season’s fruiting wood.
Common Feijoa Problems
Feijoa is generally a hardy and low-maintenance tree, but problems can occur if conditions are poor.
Poor fruiting is often caused by lack of winter chill, poor pollination, too much shade, young tree age or excessive nitrogen fertiliser. In warm climates, trees may grow strongly but crop lightly.
Scale insects, caterpillars and fungal issues can occasionally appear. Good airflow, healthy soil, regular monitoring and avoiding overwatering will help keep trees resilient.
Tips for Growing Feijoa Successfully
For best results, plant feijoa in full sun with well-drained soil and plenty of organic matter. Mulch well and water deeply during dry periods, especially when the tree is flowering or developing fruit.
Planting two varieties is one of the best ways to improve fruit set. This is especially important if you want reliable crops rather than just an attractive ornamental tree.
In warm parts of Australia, choose the coolest suitable position in the garden. Elevated locations, cooler slopes and areas protected from harsh afternoon heat are often better than hot exposed sites.
How to Use Feijoa in the Kitchen
Feijoa is delicious eaten fresh, but it can also be used in many sweet and savoury recipes.
The fruit works beautifully in cakes, muffins, crumbles, smoothies, jams, chutneys, sauces, sorbets and fruit salads. Its sweet-tart flavour pairs well with apple, pear, lemon, ginger, yoghurt and cream.
If you have a heavy crop, feijoas can be frozen, cooked down into pulp or preserved as jam or chutney so you can enjoy the flavour after the short harvest season has finished.
Is Feijoa Worth Growing?
Feijoa is absolutely worth growing if you have a suitable climate and enjoy unusual fruit trees. It is productive, ornamental, evergreen and relatively easy to care for once established.
For gardeners in Northern NSW, cooler inland areas and elevated parts of South East Queensland, feijoa can be an excellent addition to the backyard orchard.
In warmer coastal areas, it may be more experimental, but still worth trying if you have the right position and realistic expectations.
Final Thoughts
Feijoa is one of the most underrated fruit trees for Australian gardens. Although it is far better known in New Zealand, it has great potential for Australian home growers, especially in cooler and temperate regions.
With its fragrant fruit, edible flowers, evergreen foliage and useful hedging habit, feijoa offers more than just a crop. It is a beautiful, productive and conversation-starting tree that brings something different to the garden.
If you are looking for a fruit tree that is unusual, delicious and rewarding to grow, feijoa is well worth considering.
Want to grow your own feijoa tree from seed?
Buy Feijoa Seeds in Australia and get started today.