Do Feijoas grow in Australia? - Plant Care Guide

Yes, feijoas do grow in Australia, and they are increasingly popular as both an ornamental and fruiting shrub in many home gardens and some commercial orchards. Their adaptability to a range of climates, particularly subtropical and temperate zones, makes them a suitable and rewarding choice for Australian growers seeking their unique, aromatic fruit and attractive foliage.

What are feijoas?

Feijoas, also known as pineapple guavas (Acca sellowiana or Feijoa sellowiana), are fascinating evergreen shrubs or small trees celebrated for their delicious, aromatic fruit and attractive ornamental qualities. Native to the highlands of southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, they are part of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) and are increasingly popular in temperate and subtropical climates around the world, including Australia.

Here's a closer look at what feijoas are:

• Plant Appearance and Growth Habit:
  • Evergreen: Feijoas retain their foliage year-round, making them an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or as a specimen plant.
  • Size: They typically grow as large shrubs or small trees, reaching heights of 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) tall and wide, though they can be kept smaller with pruning.
  • Foliage: The leaves are distinctive, with a glossy, dark green upper surface and a soft, silvery-grey, slightly fuzzy underside. This creates a beautiful two-tone effect, especially when breezy.
  • Flowers: The flowers are truly unique and edible. They appear in late spring/early summer and feature thick, fleshy, white-backed petals with vibrant crimson-red stamens. The petals have a sweet, slightly spicy flavor.
• The Fruit (Pineapple Guava):
  • Appearance: The fruit is typically oval or pear-shaped, about the size of a chicken egg (2-4 inches long). It has a dull, blue-green to grayish-green skin that often does not change color dramatically when ripe.
  • Flesh: Inside, the fruit has a granular, creamy-white pulp surrounding a jelly-like center with tiny, edible seeds.
  • Flavor: The flavor is distinct and complex, often described as a blend of pineapple, guava, mint, and strawberry. It's highly aromatic and can vary slightly between varieties.
  • Harvesting: Feijoa fruit is typically harvested when it naturally drops from the tree to the ground, indicating it's fully ripe. They bruise easily, so gentle handling is key.
  • Season: Fruit usually ripens in autumn (fall) in many climates, making it a late-season treat.
• Climate Preferences:
  • Hardiness: Feijoas are quite hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about 15°F (-9°C) once established, making them suitable for temperate zones. They also handle moderate heat.
  • Sunlight: Prefer full sun for best fruit production, though they can tolerate partial shade.
  • Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but prefer well-draining soil and a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Uses:
  • Culinary: The fruit is eaten fresh (scooped out with a spoon, or whole if skin is thin), used in jams, jellies, juices, smoothies, pies, and even savory dishes. The petals are also edible and great in salads.
  • Ornamental: Due to their evergreen nature, attractive foliage, unique flowers, and ease of pruning, they are popular as specimen shrubs, hedges, espaliers, or in mixed borders.

Feijoas are a relatively low-maintenance and rewarding plant for home gardeners, offering year-round appeal and a delicious, often exotic-tasting fruit.

What regions in Australia are suitable for growing feijoas?

Feijoas are suitable for growing in many regions across Australia, particularly in the subtropical and temperate zones that avoid extreme tropical humidity, arid desert conditions, or severe frosts. Their hardiness and adaptability make them a good fit for much of Australia's populated coastal and highland areas.

Here's a breakdown of the regions where feijoas thrive:

1. Temperate Coastal Regions (Highly Suitable):

   • New South Wales (NSW): Most of the coastal and central regions, including Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and south coast areas. The mild winters and warm (but not excessively hot) summers are ideal.
   • Victoria (VIC): Many areas, particularly around Melbourne and coastal regions, offer suitable temperate conditions.
   • South Australia (SA): Coastal and cooler inland areas, including around Adelaide.
   • Tasmania (TAS): Most of Tasmania's climate is well-suited, as feijoas thrive in cooler temperate conditions.
   • Why these regions: These areas generally provide the moderate temperatures, distinct seasons (including enough winter chill), and rainfall patterns that feijoas prefer. They avoid the intense, prolonged heat that can cause stress and the extreme humidity that can encourage fungal issues.

2. Subtropical Regions (Excellent, with attention to water):

   • Queensland (QLD): Southern Queensland, including Brisbane and coastal areas up to the Sunshine Coast and possibly some parts of the Gold Coast hinterland.
   • Northern New South Wales: Areas like the Northern Rivers region.
   • Why these regions: Feijoas tolerate moderate subtropical conditions well, enjoying the warmth and sunshine. They do need consistent water during dry periods, especially when flowering and fruiting. These regions might experience more humidity, so good air circulation and well-draining soil are crucial.
   • Consideration: In very hot, humid parts of the subtropics, they might need some afternoon shade protection.

3. Highland / Tableland Areas (Suitable, with frost protection for young plants):

   • Examples: Parts of the New England Tablelands in NSW, or the cool, elevated regions of Victoria.
   • Why these regions: These areas provide cooler temperatures and more pronounced winter chill, which feijoas appreciate.
   • Consideration: Young feijoa plants might need protection from severe frosts in their first few years, but established plants are quite hardy.

4. Regions with Limited Suitability / Challenges:

   • Tropical North (e.g., Far North Queensland, Northern Territory): The prolonged high heat and intense humidity of the wet tropics are generally not ideal for feijoas, often leading to poor fruit set, fungal diseases, and general decline.
   • Arid/Semi-Arid Inland (e.g., central Australia): While feijoas are drought-tolerant once established, the extreme heat, very low humidity, and lack of consistent water in inland desert regions make them very difficult to grow without significant intervention (e.g., heavy irrigation, shade structures).

In summary, much of the temperate and subtropical coastal and tableland regions of Australia provide an excellent climate for feijoas, making them a versatile and rewarding fruit and ornamental for home gardeners across a significant portion of the continent.

What are the benefits of growing feijoas in Australian gardens?

Growing feijoas in Australian gardens offers a compelling combination of culinary rewards, ornamental beauty, hardiness, and ecological benefits, making them a highly desirable and sustainable choice for a wide range of climates and gardening styles across the continent.

Here are the key benefits of growing feijoas in Australian gardens:

1. Delicious and Unique Fruit:

   • Exotic Flavor: The fruit has a distinct, aromatic flavor profile (often described as a mix of pineapple, guava, and mint) that is a treat for the palate, offering something different from common backyard fruits.
   • Nutrient-Rich: Feijoas are a good source of Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet.
   • Fresh and Versatile: Eaten fresh, scooped with a spoon, or used in jams, jellies, smoothies, desserts, and even savory dishes.
   • Autumn Harvest: Provides a valuable fruit crop in autumn when many other fruits are finishing.

2. Year-Round Ornamental Appeal:

   • Evergreen Foliage: The plant retains its beautiful, glossy green leaves with silvery undersides all year, providing continuous visual interest.
   • Unique Flowers: The showy, red-stamened flowers in late spring/early summer are not only beautiful but also edible, adding a unique touch to salads or as a garnish.
   • Versatile Form: Can be grown as a large shrub, a small tree, espaliered, or as a hedge, fitting into various garden designs. Its ability to tolerate pruning means it can be shaped to suit the space.

3. Hardiness and Adaptability (Low Maintenance):

   • Cold Tolerance: Feijoas are remarkably cold-hardy for a subtropical fruit, tolerating light frosts down to about -9°C (15°F) once established. This makes them suitable for many temperate Australian regions.
   • Heat Tolerance: They also handle moderate summer heat well, though some afternoon shade might be beneficial in very hot, dry areas.
   • Drought Tolerance: Once established, feijoas are relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less water than many other fruiting plants, a significant advantage in Australia's often dry climate. They still appreciate consistent watering for best fruit production.
   • Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally suffer from very few serious pests or diseases in Australian gardens, making them a low-spray or no-spray option.
   • Result: A relatively easy-care plant, ideal for busy gardeners.

4. Pollinator and Wildlife Friendly:

   • Attractive Flowers: The colorful flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, supporting local insect biodiversity in your garden.
   • Bird Food: The fallen ripe fruit can also provide a food source for some ground-feeding birds.
   • Result: Contributes to a healthy garden ecosystem.

5. Wind and Salt Tolerance:

   • Coastal Gardens: Feijoas exhibit good tolerance to wind and some salt spray, making them a viable option for coastal Australian gardens where many other plants struggle.

6. Good for Hedges and Screens:

   • Their dense, evergreen foliage and ability to withstand pruning make them excellent choices for creating attractive and productive hedges or privacy screens in the garden.

In conclusion, for Australian gardeners seeking a resilient, beautiful, and productive plant, growing feijoas offers a multitude of benefits, delivering delicious fruit with minimal fuss and enhancing the overall appeal and ecology of the garden.

What are the best feijoa varieties to grow in Australia?

The best feijoa varieties to grow in Australia are those known for their fruit quality, productivity, and growth habit, while also considering their self-fertility to ensure a bountiful harvest. Selecting the right cultivar can make a significant difference in your success and enjoyment of these unique fruits.

Here are some of the most popular and recommended feijoa varieties for Australian gardens:

1. 'Mammoth':

   • Characteristics: Produces very large, round to oval fruit with a good flavor. One of the larger-fruited varieties.
   • Self-Fertility: Partially self-fertile, but fruit set and size will be significantly improved with a second pollinator variety.
   • Growth Habit: Vigorous grower.
   • Why it's popular in Australia: Highly regarded for its impressive fruit size and good taste.

2. 'Apollo':

   • Characteristics: Known for large, oval-shaped fruit with excellent flavor and a smooth texture.
   • Self-Fertility: Partially self-fertile, but cross-pollination will greatly enhance yield.
   • Growth Habit: Upright, moderately vigorous.
   • Why it's popular in Australia: A reliable producer of high-quality fruit.

3. 'Pineapple Gem' / 'Choiceana':

   • Characteristics: Produces medium-sized, round fruit with a very good, classic feijoa flavor, often noted for its prominent pineapple notes.
   • Self-Fertility: Partially self-fertile.
   • Growth Habit: Good as a hedge or screen.
   • Why it's popular in Australia: A classic, dependable choice for flavor.

4. 'Unique':

   • Characteristics: Produces small to medium-sized, pear-shaped fruit.
   • Self-Fertility: Fully self-fertile, meaning it can reliably set fruit without another feijoa variety nearby. This is a huge advantage for gardeners with limited space or who only want one plant.
   • Growth Habit: Upright, bushy.
   • Why it's popular in Australia: The go-to choice for single plantings where cross-pollination isn't possible.

5. 'Triumph':

   • Characteristics: Medium-sized, round to oval fruit with good flavor. Stores well.
   • Self-Fertility: Partially self-fertile.
   • Growth Habit: Vigorous.
   • Why it's popular in Australia: A good, robust producer.

6. 'Wiki Tu':

   • Characteristics: Large, flavorful fruit.
   • Self-Fertility: Needs a pollinator.
   • Why it's popular in Australia: Excellent fruit quality, often paired with 'Mammoth' or 'Apollo'.

Key Considerations When Choosing Feijoa Varieties for Australia:

• Self-Fertility:
  • One Plant Only: If you only have space for one feijoa plant and want consistent fruit, choose a fully self-fertile variety like 'Unique'.
  • Better Yields with Cross-Pollination: Even partially self-fertile varieties will produce significantly larger and more abundant fruit if cross-pollinated by a different feijoa variety. If you have space, plant at least two different cultivars.
• Fruit Size and Flavor: Research different varieties to find those that produce the fruit size and flavor profile you prefer.
• Growth Habit: Consider whether you want a large specimen shrub, a hedge, or something more compact. Pruning can manage size, but starting with a variety that aligns with your goal is helpful.
• Local Nursery Advice: Always consult with local nurseries or horticultural experts in your specific Australian region. They can provide guidance on varieties that perform best in your local climate and soil conditions, and which pollinators pair well.

By carefully selecting the best feijoa varieties for your needs and garden, you can ensure a successful and delicious harvest from these wonderful plants in Australia.

How do you care for feijoas in Australian climates?

Caring for feijoas in Australian climates generally involves providing them with their preferred conditions for sunlight, soil, and water, with some specific considerations for varying regional temperatures and humidity. While largely low-maintenance, a little attention ensures robust growth and abundant fruit.

Here’s how to care for your feijoas to ensure they thrive in Australian climates:

1. Sunlight Requirements:

   • Full Sun for Best Fruit: Plant your feijoa in a location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production.
   • Partial Shade in Hotter Regions: In very hot, inland, or western-facing Australian gardens (e.g., some parts of Western Sydney or drier subtropical zones), some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent leaf scorch and heat stress, especially for young plants.
   • Why: Ample sunlight is crucial for flower and fruit development.

2. Soil Preparation and pH:

   • Well-Draining Soil (Crucial): Feijoas are adaptable but absolutely require well-draining soil. They will suffer from root rot in heavy, waterlogged clay.
   • Amend Heavy Soils: If you have clay soil, amend the planting hole generously with organic compost, gypsum (for clay), and some coarse sand or grit to improve drainage.
   • pH Preference: They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around 5.5 to 7.0).
   • Test pH: If you're unsure of your soil pH, use a soil pH meter or a soil test kit. Adjust with elemental sulfur (to lower pH) or lime (to raise pH) as needed.

3. Watering (Especially During Establishment and Fruiting):

   • Consistent Moisture: Feijoas need consistent moisture, especially during their establishment phase (first 1-2 years), and when they are flowering and setting fruit.
   • Deep Watering: Water deeply and regularly (2-3 times a week during dry spells) to encourage a robust root system.
   • Drought Tolerance (Established): Once established, they become remarkably drought-tolerant, but supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods will always result in better fruit production.
   • Avoid Overwatering: Ensure good drainage and avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
   • Mulch: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch (organic garden mulch) around the base of the plant (keeping it a few inches from the trunk) to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.

4. Fertilization (Light to Moderate):

   • Action: Feijoas are not heavy feeders. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer for fruit trees suitable for fruiting plants.
   • Compost: Annual top-dressing with compost is often sufficient to meet their nutrient needs.
   • Avoid: Excessive nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit.

5. Pruning:

   • Formative Pruning: Prune young plants to establish a strong framework.
   • Maintenance Pruning: Annually prune after fruiting (late autumn/early winter) to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. You can also lightly prune for shape and size control.
   • Hedging: If growing as a hedge, prune more regularly (but remember that heavy pruning can reduce fruit on the pruned wood).
   • Why: Improves air circulation, maintains plant health, and encourages better fruit production.

6. Pollination (Crucial for Fruit Set):

   • Cross-Pollination for Best Yields: While some varieties are self-fertile ('Unique'), almost all feijoas will produce significantly more and larger fruit if cross-pollinated by a different feijoa variety. If you want a good harvest, plant at least two different cultivars.
   • Pollinators: Bees and birds are the primary pollinators.

7. Pest and Disease Management:

   • Generally Resistant: Feijoas are quite hardy and generally resistant to major pests and diseases in Australia.
   • Minor Issues: Occasionally, fruit fly (in endemic areas), scale, or thrips might be minor issues. Monitor regularly and treat with organic solutions like neem oil (neem oil for garden plants) if needed.

By following these care guidelines tailored for Australian climates, your feijoa will flourish, providing both an attractive feature and a delicious, unique fruit harvest for your garden.