Understanding the Feijoa Tree
Feijoa trees are *[evergreen shrubs](<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evergreen>)* native to South America that produce edible fruit. The **feijoa** fruit have a crisp texture when ripe with an aromatic flavor that is described as a cross between pineapple, strawberry and coconut. Though slow-growing initially, **feijoa** trees can ultimately reach heights of 7 to 10 feet tall and almost as wide.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.
Feijoa Tree Growth and Development
Feijoa trees grow relatively slowly at first, typically requiring3 to 7 years from planting until they start producing fruit. The growth pattern involves branching and forming new stems and shoots from the trunk and main scaffold limbs. Several factors influence how quickly feijoas grow and develop:
Variety: Some varieties are faster-growing than others. ‘Anana’, ‘Apollo’, and ‘Thompson’ tend to produce fruit relatively early, within 3 to 5 years. ‘Ewington’ and ‘Purple’ mature more slowly, around 5 to 8 years.
Climate: Feijoas grow best in frost-free, subtropical conditions with warm summers and mild winters. Trees in warmer regions tend to reach maturity and begin fruiting sooner.
Soil: Ensuring good soil fertility and drainage promotes vigorous growth of young trees. Adding compost and organic matter can help trees establish more quickly.
Once branching begins, lateral shoots form along the branches. These shoots will continue lengthening and produce new leaves each year. After 3 to 5 years of vegetative growth, feijoa trees begin diverting resources to flowering and fruit production.
Overall, feijoa trees grow most quickly when conditions meet their ideal requirements. Young trees especially benefit from regular pruning to improve airflow and access to light, which stimulates more rapid growth and earlier fruiting.
Factors Affecting Feijoa Fruit Production
Many factors can influence how long it takes feijoa trees to begin producing fruit, and also impact the size and amount of fruit they yield each season. The main factors include:
Variety. As mentioned earlier, some cultivars mature and fruit quicker than others. Early-producing varieties like ‘Apollo’ may begin fruiting in just 3 years, while other varieties may require up to 8 years.
** Climate.** Feijoa trees thrive in warm, frost-free conditions year-round. Trees in areas with cold winter temperatures or that experience late spring frosts may have delayed flowering and fruit set.
Soil. The most critical soil factors are drainage, pH, and fertility. Feijoa prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0 to 6.8) with high organic matter. Ensuring good soil health through additions of compost, cover crops, and soil amendments helps maximize fruit yield.
Light. Full sun exposure (6-8 hours daily) is ideal for healthy growth and fruit production in feijoa trees. Inadequate light levels can reduce flowering and fruit sizes.
Water. Regular, deep watering helps promote fruiting in feijoa trees. The soil should be kept moist during the growing season but allowed to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot issues that impact productivity.
Pruning. Proper pruning to maintain an open canopy structure encourages more flowers and larger fruits. Removing excess shoots and crossing branches optimizes light penetration and air circulation.
Fertilizer. Light, balanced fertilizer applications and adequate micronutrients help supply the nutrients necessary for fruit development. High nitrogen fertilizer should be avoided once flowering begins.
Caring for a Feijoa Tree to Encourage Fruit-bearing
There are a number of practices owners can follow to promote high yields of feijoa fruit on their trees:
Good soil health. Adding organic matter like compost, leaf litter and mulch helps build healthy soil that supplies the nutrients and water feijoa trees need. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring can also promote flowering and fruiting.
Proper irrigation. Keeping the soil moist, but not soggy, during flowering and the fruit development stage is crucial. Monitor the soil moisture and water when the top 1 to 2 inches begin to dry out.
Timely pruning. Pruning young, fast-growing trees once or twice annually controls their size and shape while promoting dense foliage. On mature trees, pruning removes dead or overlapping branches to improve airflow and light penetration that stimulates fruiting.
Adequate pollination. Feijoa trees require pollination by wind, insects or birds in order to set fruit. Planting more than one variety of feijoa – or including other flowering shrubs nearby – encourages cross-pollination and fuller crops. Hand pollination can also be effective.
Protection from pests. Caterpillars, mites,birds and possums can damage or eat feijoa fruit. Regularly inspecting trees and implementing control methods when needed helps maximize their yields.
Proper spacing. Allowing at least 10 to 15 feet between full-grown feijoa trees ensures adequate space for branching, access to sunlight and air circulation to support heavy crops of fruit.
Minimizing stress. Avoiding excessive pruning, transplanting, pest damage and other forms of stress during flowering and fruit set stages is important for producing good crops.
Carefully following these practices can help feijoa trees flower prolifically and set abundant crops of fruit within their normal bearing times. Early and regular maintenance lays the foundation for feijoa trees to maximize their productive potential over their lifespan.
More Helpful Guide
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Frequently Asked Question
Can you juice feijoas?
Yes, you can juice feijoas. Combine with sweeter fruits like pineapple or orange. Strain pulp if desired.
Can feijoa trees be grown as container plants?
Yes, feijoa trees can be grown in containers. Use a large pot, provide good drainage and bring indoors if cold. Limit size with pruning.
What is the proper way to harvest feijoa fruit?
Pick feijoas by hand, twist and pull to separate from fruit stem cleanly. Take care not to bruise the delicate fruit.
How long does it take for a feijoa tree to bear fruit?
It takes roughly 3-5 years for feijoa trees to start bearing fruit significantly. The fruiting season is fall.
How do you plant and grow a feijoa tree?
Plant feijoa trees in well draining, slightly acidic soil. Space them 15-20 feet apart. Fertilize in spring and water regularly for the first 2 years until established.
Can you juice feijoas?
Yes, you can juice feijoas. Combine with sweeter fruits like pineapple or orange. Strain pulp if desired.
What is the proper way to harvest feijoa fruit?
Pick feijoas by hand, twist and pull to separate from fruit stem cleanly. Take care not to bruise the delicate fruit.
Are feijoa trees cold hardy?
Feijoa trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 to 15°F when mature, so they can handle cooler climates.
What is the proper way to harvest feijoa fruit?
Pick feijoas by hand, twist and pull to separate from fruit stem cleanly. Take care not to bruise the delicate fruit.
How long does it take for a feijoa tree to bear fruit?
It takes roughly 3-5 years for feijoa trees to start bearing fruit significantly. The fruiting season is fall.
What does a feijoa taste like?
The flesh of the feijoa is whitish translucent, juicy, and gritty soft. The flavor is sweet and tart with hints of guava and pineapple. The seeds in the center are edible.
Where do feijoa trees originate from?
Feijoa trees originated in regions of South America including southern Brazil, parts of Colombia, Uruguay and northern Argentina. They thrive in areas with cool winters and hot summers.
What does a feijoa taste like?
The flesh of the feijoa is whitish translucent, juicy, and gritty soft. The flavor is sweet and tart with hints of guava and pineapple. The seeds in the center are edible.
What nutrients and benefits are in feijoa fruit?
Feijoas are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals like potassium. They may help boost immunity and digestion.
How do you preserve feijoas by freezing or drying?
Freeze feijoa pulp in airtight containers for 6-12 months. Dehydrate slices in a food dehydrator or low oven until chewy.
What climate is best for growing feijoas?
Feijoas grow best in zones 8-11 with moderate humidity and evenly distributed rainfall. They need at least 200 chill hours in winter.
Can feijoa trees be grown as container plants?
Yes, feijoa trees can be grown in containers. Use a large pot, provide good drainage and bring indoors if cold. Limit size with pruning.
What nutrients and benefits are in feijoa fruit?
Feijoas are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals like potassium. They may help boost immunity and digestion.
How do you plant and grow a feijoa tree?
Plant feijoa trees in well draining, slightly acidic soil. Space them 15-20 feet apart. Fertilize in spring and water regularly for the first 2 years until established.
What recipes can you make with feijoas?
Feijoas can be used in smoothies, juices, jams, jellies, chutneys, pies, cakes, ice cream and other desserts.
What nutrients and benefits are in feijoa fruit?
Feijoas are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals like potassium. They may help boost immunity and digestion.
What’s the shelf life of fresh feijoas?
Fresh feijoas will last about 5-7 days at room temperature. Refrigerate in plastic bag to extend shelf life up to 2 weeks.
How long does it take for a feijoa tree to bear fruit?
It takes roughly 3-5 years for feijoa trees to start bearing fruit significantly. The fruiting season is fall.
How do you prepare feijoa for cooking and baking?
To cook feijoa, simply halve and scoop out flesh. Puree cooked fruit for sauces, chutneys or bake into tarts, muffins or cakes.
How do you store fresh feijoas?
Store fresh feijoas loosely wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator crisper drawer. They will keep for 1-2 weeks.
What is the proper way to harvest feijoa fruit?
Pick feijoas by hand, twist and pull to separate from fruit stem cleanly. Take care not to bruise the delicate fruit.
What is a feijoa?
The feijoa is a small oval shaped fruit native to South America. It has a sweet, aromatic flavor reminiscent of pineapple, guava, and strawberry.
How do you tell if a feijoa is ripe?
Ripe feijoas give slightly when pressed gently. They will be aromatic and show some yellowing. Avoid any overly soft or bruised fruit.
