Choosing Healthy Feijoa Seeds
Only choose firm, plump feijoa seeds with no damage or cracks. Seeds from fresh, ripe fruit tend to germinate best. Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) seeds should be inspected for quality before planting. Cracked and damaged seeds are unlikely to germinate successfully.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.
Preparing the Seeds for Planting
Some preparation of the feijoa seeds before planting can improve germination rates and seedling vigor. Proper seed preparation includes soaking, scratching, and application of fungicide.
Soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 to 48 hours helps soften the seed coat, which can be hard and impermeable. This allows water and air to penetrate the seed and activate the enzymatic and metabolic processes needed for germination.
Scratching or abrasion of the seed coat with sandpaper can further aid the imbibition of water into the seed. Feijoa seeds have a tough outer coat that benefits from moderate sanding to increase the surface area for water absorption.
Applying a fungicide to the soaked seeds can prevent damping off diseases caused by fungi. These diseases often attack young seedlings, so protecting the seeds before planting gives the seedlings a healthy start.
Soaking and preparation steps for feijoa seeds can be summarized as:
- Soak seeds in warm water for 24 to 48 hours
- Scratch seed coat lightly with 120 grit sandpaper
- Apply a recommended fungicide to soaked seeds
These simple steps can boost the success of your feijoa seed germination and establishment. Proper seed preparation pays off in productive, healthy plants.
Creating the Ideal Growing Conditions
Providing the optimal environment for growing feijoa seedlings is essential for vigorous plant growth. Feijoa plants require specific conditions related to light, moisture and soil pH.
Light: Feijoa seedlings need a lot of light for healthy growth, around 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day. However, the light should be indirect or dappled to avoid scorching the small tender leaves. Overcast skies provide ideal Feijoa seedling light.
Place the seedlings in a bright window, or under a tree with filtered sunlight. As the seedlings grow and leaves harden off, they can tolerate more hours of direct sunlight.
Moisture: Feijoa seedlings need constant moisture until they are established, meaning their roots have grown out of their pots. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not soggy or flooded.
Check the soil moisture daily by feeling the depth of moisture with your fingers. Consider using pebbles or gravel under pots to facilitate proper drainage.
Soil pH: Feijoa plants prefer a slightly acidic soil pH between 5.5 and 6.0. This level provides optimal availability of nutrients for the young roots.
To achieve the right pH for feijoa seedlings, incorporate compost and organic matter into the planting medium. Using potting mix specifically for acid-loving plants will also help.
In summary, a combination of bright indirect light, consistent moisture and slightly acidic soil will create the ideal conditions for successful growth of your feijoa seedlings from germination through establishment. Once established, the plants can handle more sunlight and less frequent watering.
Sowing Feijoa Seeds and Germination
Properly sowing feijoa seeds and understanding germination requirements will help ensure success in propagating this fruit tree.
Feijoa seeds can be planted directly in pots or seeding trays filled with well-draining seed-starting mix. Plant the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep to provide enough coverage but avoid overplanting.
The soil should be kept continually moist but not saturated. A light application of water every day will keep the soil evenly moist to facilitate seed germination.
Feijoa seeds require warm temperatures, ideally between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, for optimal germination. During winter months, supplement natural light with grow lights or a heat mat under trays.
Feijoa seeds typically take around 1 to 4 weeks to germinate depending on conditions and seed viability. New sprouts will emerge with one or two small rounded leaves followed by a pair of true leaves.
Regular monitoring during germination allows you to:
- Keep soil continually moist
- Remove any moldy or diseased seeds
- Add more mix if seeds sink too deep
- Provide consistent warm temperatures
Once most of the seeds have germinated, reduce frequency of watering and ‘harden off’ seedlings for a couple weeks before transplanting outdoors. This adjusts them to outdoor conditions like wind, rain and temperature changes.
By following proper sowing practices and establishing ideal early growing conditions, you can ensure a high rate of success for your emerging feijoa seedlings and future fruit production.
Nurturing Feijoa Seedlings for Optimal Growth
Once feijoa seeds have germinated and developed into seedlings, they require special care for optimal establishment andfuture growth. Here are the key steps to nurturing young feijoa plants:
Light: As feijoa seedlings develop, increase the amountof direct sunlight they receive. Start with a few hours per day and gradually work up to full sun over several weeks. This hardening off process conditions the leaves for higher light intensity.
Continue providing bright indirect light for seedlings that are not yet ready for full sun.
Moisture: Monitor soil moisture levels daily and water the plants only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Mark established seedlings by the time their roots have filled their containers.
Too much or too little water can cause leaf drop or stunted growth,so maintain a regular watering schedule for young feijoas.
Fertilizer: Once seedlings are well-established at around 6 weeks, begin fertilizing witha dilute solution of all-purpose fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. The fertilizer will provide nutrients to support further growth and development.
Pruning: Around 4-6 months, pinch or cut back new growth to encourage branching and a fuller plant structure.Wait to prune until the seedlings are strong enough to handle it.
In summary, optimal growth of feijoa seedlings requires a combination of increasing light,monitoring moisture, timely fertilizer applications and selective pruning once the seedlings have developed an adequate root system and leaf canopy. Follow these basic nurturing steps to produce healthy, productive feijoa trees.
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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.
When is feijoa fruit ready to harvest?
Feijoa fruit are ready for harvest when they feel slightly soft and drop to the ground when lightly shaken. Harvest time is late summer into fall.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
When is feijoa fruit ready to harvest?
Feijoa fruit are ready for harvest when they feel slightly soft and drop to the ground when lightly shaken. Harvest time is late summer into 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.
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.
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.
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.
