The Pineapple Guava (Acca guavasteen), also known as Brazilian Guava or Fig Guava (Feijoa sellowiana), is a unique fruit-bearing shrub or small tree that produces aromatic, sweet-tasting fruit. Known for its vibrant pink and red flowers, this versatile plant is not only visually striking but also highly edible, offering a tropical flavor reminiscent of pineapple and guava. The fruit is enjoyed raw or used in jams, juices, and desserts. This pack contains 10 seeds, perfect for gardeners interested in growing their own exotic fruit trees or ornamental shrubs. With its hardy nature, the Pineapple Guava can thrive in a variety of climates, adding both beauty and flavor to any garden.
Key Features:
- Exotic, Edible Fruit: Pineapple Guava produces sweet, tangy, and aromatic fruits that can be eaten fresh, or used in jams, jellies, and other culinary delights.
- Vibrant Flowers: The plant boasts striking pink and red flowers, which are not only attractive to the eye but also attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
- Hardy and Versatile: This fruit tree is hardy in a range of climates, from temperate to subtropical, making it an excellent choice for diverse garden environments.
- Attractive Foliage: The evergreen, silvery-green leaves create an appealing backdrop for the showy flowers and make the plant attractive year-round.
- Low Maintenance: Pineapple Guava is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
- Wildlife-Friendly: The flowers are known to attract pollinators, while the fruits provide food for birds and other wildlife.
Growing Information:
Light:
Pineapple Guava thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal fruit production, it can tolerate some shade, especially in warmer climates.
Soil:
This shrub or small tree prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as there is good drainage. It doesn’t like heavy, waterlogged soil.
Planting Tips:
Plant the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to help improve germination. Plant them about 1/8 inch deep and keep them moist. For best results, start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring and transplant the young plants outdoors once they have established roots and the danger of frost has passed. Ensure the space allows for the plant’s mature size.
Watering:
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. However, it’s important not to overwater, as the Pineapple Guava is sensitive to standing water. Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during the growing season.
Temperature:
Pineapple Guava is hardy in USDA Zones 8-10, which means it can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F (-6°C) but may require frost protection in colder zones. It thrives in subtropical and temperate climates, making it ideal for coastal regions or areas with mild winters.
Pruning:
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and shape the plant. Pruning can help maintain a compact, bushy form and improve air circulation. Regularly trimming the tips of branches will encourage more flowering and fruit production.
Benefits:
- Tropical Flavor: The fruit has a delicious tropical taste that combines pineapple and guava flavors, offering a refreshing treat that can be eaten raw or used in a variety of recipes.
- Decorative and Attractive: The Pineapple Guava is as much an ornamental plant as a fruit tree. Its vibrant flowers, silvery-green leaves, and attractive form make it a great addition to any garden.
- Wildlife-Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, while the fruits serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife.
- Versatile Garden Plant: Whether used as a shrub or trained into a small tree, the Pineapple Guava fits well in gardens of all sizes, from small backyard spaces to larger orchards.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the Pineapple Guava is relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for an ornamental fruit tree that requires minimal upkeep.
Growing Zones:
Pineapple Guava is best suited for USDA Zones 8-10, which includes many areas with mild winters and moderate summers. It can tolerate some frost but thrives in regions with temperate to subtropical climates.
How to Use in the Garden:
- Ornamental Shrub or Tree: Use the Pineapple Guava as a feature plant in your garden. Its beautiful flowers and striking evergreen foliage make it a standout in landscapes.
- Edible Landscape: Incorporate it into an edible garden where you can harvest fruit while enjoying its decorative qualities. It pairs well with other subtropical and tropical plants.
- Pollinator Garden: The flowers of the Pineapple Guava attract pollinators, making it a wonderful addition to pollinator-friendly gardens or wildlife habitats.
- Hedge or Screen: The shrub’s dense growth makes it suitable for use as a privacy hedge or screen. It can be pruned to maintain a neat and compact form.
- Fruit Orchard: Plant several Pineapple Guavas to form a small fruit orchard, and enjoy the sweet and aromatic fruit when it ripens in late fall to early winter.
Conclusion:
The Pineapple Guava (Acca guavasteen, Feijoa sellowiana) is a delightful and versatile fruit tree that provides both ornamental beauty and edible fruit. With its vibrant flowers, aromatic fruit, and low-maintenance care requirements, it makes an excellent addition to any garden, from small spaces to larger landscapes. The exotic, tropical flavor of the fruit is a treat for gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking for a striking ornamental plant, a fruit-bearing tree, or a pollinator-friendly shrub, the Pineapple Guava is a perfect choice. With 10 seeds in this pack, you can start your own garden of this unique and rewarding plant.