Lyla Lindsey
Feijoas, also known as pineapple guavas, are small evergreen trees or shrubs that produce delicious, fragrant fruits and beautiful flowers. They are native to Brazil and Argentina but can be grown in Australia, in areas ranging from Tasmania's cool climate to subtropical climates. Feijoas are very hardy and easy to grow, making them a great addition to any home garden. They can be grown in a variety of soils and tolerate drought and wind, but they require adequate water and nutrients for good fruit production. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to grow feijoa trees in Australia, covering topics such as climate, soil, watering, fertilizing, and more.
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What You'll Learn
- Feijoa trees are hardy, pest-resistant, and drought-tolerant
- They need full sun to part shade, well-drained soil, and lots of compost
- They can be grown from seed but take longer to fruit
- Grafted varieties are more expensive but produce a more reliable crop faster
- They require 50-100 chill hours to set the fruit
Feijoa trees are hardy, pest-resistant, and drought-tolerant
Feijoa trees are known for their hardiness and resilience. They can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including temperature extremes from -7°C to 40°C. This makes them suitable for a variety of climates, including warm temperate, sub-tropical, tropical, and cold temperate climates, although protection is required in the latter. They are also drought-tolerant, an especially useful quality in hot Australian conditions. However, adequate watering is necessary during the flowering and fruiting seasons (spring and summer) to ensure good fruit production.
Feijoas are relatively pest-resistant, although they may still encounter some pests such as leafroller, mealybug, hard wax scale, greedy scale, fruit fly, and Australian guava moth. The guava moth, for example, can damage the productivity of the tree by laying its eggs at the stem and in cracks on the fruit, leading to premature fruit drop. However, compared to other fruit trees, feijoas experience low pest pressure, making them well-suited for organic cultivation.
Feijoas are also fire retardant, making them a beneficial addition to gardens in fire-prone areas. Their shallow root system and wind tolerance further contribute to their hardy nature, allowing them to thrive in various locations, including coastal areas. Overall, feijoas are known for their resilience and adaptability, making them a recommended choice for Australian gardens.
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They need full sun to part shade, well-drained soil, and lots of compost
Feijoa trees are very adaptable and can be grown in a variety of locations, from full sun to part shade. They are very wind-tolerant, even in coastal areas, although growth and fruiting may be slower in exposed spots. In very hot conditions, the fruit may split and its flavour may be diminished. Feijoas prefer cool winters and moderate summers, requiring up to 50 chill hours for best quality fruiting.
When it comes to soil, feijoas are not too fussy. They grow best in rich, free-draining soil but can tolerate clay and both dry and wet soil. Before planting, it is beneficial to improve the soil by mixing in quality compost or well-aged manure. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the feijoa tree to thrive.
Feijoas also respond well to fertiliser applications. It is recommended to use a controlled-release fertiliser and feed the tree annually in spring. Avoid liquid feeding through the foliage as it may cause an adverse reaction. Instead, apply organic or seaweed-based liquid products directly to the root zone.
Feijoas have a shallow root system, so it is important to keep the base of the tree weed-free and mulched. They also benefit from adequate watering, especially during the flowering and fruiting seasons. A good watering with a seaweed solution before and after fruiting can be beneficial.
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They can be grown from seed but take longer to fruit
Feijoas are native to Brazil and Argentina and can be grown from seeds. However, growing them from seeds may not be the best option if you want quick results, as it can take up to 10 years for the tree to bear fruit. The size, quality, flavour, and amount of fruit you get is also uncertain. Grafted varieties are more expensive but will give you a more reliable crop faster.
Feijoas are easy to grow and can be grown in a variety of climates, from cool temperate to subtropical. They are very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including drought and coastal winds. They prefer cool winters and moderate summers, and require up to 50-100 chill hours to set fruit properly.
When planting feijoas, choose a sunny, well-drained spot and give them plenty of compost and composted manure to get started. They can also be grown in pots with a premium organic potting mix. Feijoas have a shallow root system, so ensure that the base is kept weed-free and mulched.
To promote fruit growth, it is important to provide adequate water during the flowering and fruiting seasons (spring and summer). Bees are one of the top pollinators for feijoas, so consider planting flowering shrubs nearby to attract them.
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Grafted varieties are more expensive but produce a more reliable crop faster
Feijoas are native to Brazil and Argentina and are known for their ease of growth and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions. They are also highly adaptable to different climates, making them a popular choice for gardeners in Australia. While feijoas grown from seedlings may take up to 10 years to bear fruit, grafted varieties offer a more expedited approach with reliable results.
Grafted feijoas are more expensive than seedlings, but they are worth the investment due to their ability to produce a more consistent crop in a shorter amount of time. Grafted trees typically take around three years to start bearing fruit, which is considerably faster than the lengthy wait associated with seedlings. This reduced timeframe allows gardeners to enjoy the fruits of their labour much sooner.
The reliability of grafted feijoas extends beyond just the speed of fruit production. These trees also offer a more predictable outcome in terms of the size, quality, flavour, and quantity of the harvest. With grafted varieties, gardeners can have a better idea of what to expect from their feijoa trees, making it easier to plan for the future and utilise the fruit effectively.
When purchasing grafted feijoas, it is important to look for a tag bearing the cultivar name. This tag is a reliable indicator of a grafted tree. Additionally, gardeners should inspect the tree for a visible scar, which serves as further confirmation that the tree has been grafted onto a different rootstock.
To ensure the success of grafted feijoas, it is crucial to remove any growth below the graft before planting. This simple step helps to ensure that the tree's energy is focused on the desired cultivar rather than any unwanted rootstock growth. By following these guidelines, gardeners can maximise the benefits of choosing grafted varieties over seedlings.
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They require 50-100 chill hours to set the fruit
Feijoa trees are native to South America and have been grown in New Zealand for generations. They are now a popular choice for home gardeners and commercial fruit growers in Australia. Feijoas are prized for their hardy, drought-tolerant, and pest-resistant qualities, as well as their delicious, fragrant fruit.
One important consideration when growing feijoa trees in Australia is the requirement for "chill hours". Chill hours refer to the number of hours that a plant is exposed to temperatures between 0°C and 7°C during its dormant period. This period of cold is necessary for the plant to break its dormancy and properly bud out and grow in the spring. Feijoas require between 50 and 100 chill hours to set fruit. This is a relatively low number of chill hours compared to other fruit trees, which typically require between 800 and 1,500 chill hours.
In warmer climates, such as coastal southern California, fruit growers have found that some varieties produce well with much less chilling than expected. This could be due to these locations receiving plenty of hours in the 7-13°C range, or because the variety's chilling requirement is less than stated. On the other hand, too many chill hours can cause trees to break dormancy too early, making them more vulnerable to frost damage or other stresses. Therefore, it is important to select varieties that have the same or fewer chill hours as your area.
In Australia, particularly warm locations like Melbourne, the number of chill hours may impact fruit production. Days of excessive heat can also be highly damaging to feijoa crops. Therefore, when growing feijoas in Australia, it is important to consider the climate and select appropriate varieties to ensure successful fruit set and development.
To summarise, feijoa trees require between 50 and 100 chill hours to set fruit. This requirement is important to consider when growing feijoas in Australia, particularly in warmer climates, to ensure healthy and productive trees.
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Frequently asked questions
Autumn is the perfect time to plant feijoas. It allows them to establish their roots and be ready for peak growth in spring.
Feijoas are very hardy and easy to grow. They can handle a wide range of conditions, are pest-resistant, and drought-tolerant. They grow well in fertile, free-draining soil and require regular watering and nutrients. They also produce more fruit when there is another feijoa tree flowering at the same time.
Feijoas require 50-100 hours of cold or chill to set the fruit, so the temperature can affect the taste of the fruit. Days of excessive heat can be highly damaging to fruit crops. An excessive amount of nitrogen can also encourage the trees to produce more leaves and shoots instead of flowers and fruit.
