Feijoa care guide

Pets and children

We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.

How often to water Feijoa

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 2 days

Water a pot thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, about every one to two days in summer; an established garden tree mostly lives on rain.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 3 days

The fruit is ripening, so keep it evenly moist: about every two to four days once the surface dries.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 7 days

Growth slows, so water about once a week, a few days after the soil dries, during a mild midday.

Light and placement for Feijoa

As a guide, a sunny spot outdoors; it tolerates part shade with fewer flowers and fruit, and is generally tough enough for heat, drought and sea wind, even as a hedge.

Overwintering Feijoa

Overwintering guide: −8°C (18°F) or above

An evergreen that generally winters outdoors on the Kanto and Kansai plains; as a guide, shelter a young tree from cold wind and move a pot under the eaves.

Fertilizing and repotting Feijoa

Fertilizer

As a guide, a small dose of slow-release organic fertilizer around March, June and October; overfeeding generally just makes long shoots, so keep it light.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Feijoa

• A single tree flowers but sets almost no fruit.
• Poor pollination drops the fruit while still small.
• Picked too early from the branch, the fruit is bland.

Tips for growing Feijoa

• Plant two different varieties, or hand-pollinate with a brush when it flowers in June.
• Gather fruit that drops on its own in October or November and let it sit a few days until fragrant.
• The thick white petals are sweet and edible, nice scattered over a salad.

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