From a Handful to a Harvest – My Pineapple Guava Tree’s Beautiful Surprise
Growing Pineapple Guava Tree in My Garden – From a Few Fruits to a Beautiful Harvest
There is something incredibly rewarding about growing your own fruit, especially when a tree that produced very little the previous season suddenly surprises you with an abundance of fruit.
One of the fruit trees growing in my garden here at the homestead is my pineapple guava, also known as Feijoa (Acca sellowiana).
Last year, my tree only produced a handful of fruits. This year, however, it has surprised me with an abundance of fruit, and I couldn't be more delighted!
Gardening has taught me many things over the years, but one of the most valuable lessons is patience. Sometimes a plant needs a little more time to establish itself before rewarding us with a lovely harvest. And my pineapple guava is certainly proving that point!
Getting to Know the Pineapple Guava
Despite its name, the pineapple guava isn't actually a true guava. It belongs to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) and is native to parts of South America, particularly southern Brazil, Uruguay and neighbouring regions.
It is a beautiful evergreen shrub or small tree, with attractive green leaves that have a lovely silvery underside. What makes this tree particularly special is that it offers so much more than just fruit. It has beautiful foliage throughout the year, unusual flowers during spring and delicious fruit when the growing season comes to an end.
For anyone who enjoys combining ornamental plants with edible gardening, the pineapple guava is a wonderful addition.
Those Beautiful, Unusual Flowers
One of my favourite things about my pineapple guava tree is its flowers. They are quite unlike the flowers on many other fruit trees. Each flower has soft, fleshy white petals, often tinged with pink, surrounding a striking cluster of bright red stamens tipped with pale pollen-bearing anthers. When the tree is covered in flowers, it really is a beautiful sight!
And here is something interesting: the flower petals are edible!
They have a pleasantly sweet flavour and can be used to decorate cakes, desserts or salads.
However, I prefer leaving most of the flowers on my tree because I want to give them every opportunity to develop into fruit. The flowers also attract pollinators, including birds and insects, which play an important role in fruit production.
Why Did My Tree Produce So Little Fruit Last Year?
Last year, I only harvested a few pineapple guavas from my tree. This year has been completely different! There are several possible reasons why a pineapple guava may produce very little fruit one year and considerably more the next.
1. The tree may still be establishing itself.
Young fruit trees often need time to develop strong roots and sufficient growth before producing a substantial harvest.
2. Weather conditions make a difference.
Temperature, rainfall and moisture availability can all influence flowering, pollination and fruit development.
3. Pollination plays an important role.
Some pineapple guava varieties are self-fertile, while others benefit considerably from cross-pollination with another compatible variety.
Even self-fertile varieties may produce a better crop when cross-pollination occurs.
4. The tree may simply be reaching maturity.
As a healthy pineapple guava becomes more established, its ability to produce flowers and fruit often improves. I cannot say for certain what has made the difference with my tree this year, but whatever the reason, I am thoroughly enjoying watching it flourish!
Growing Pineapple Guava in South Africa
One of the reasons I enjoy growing pineapple guava is that it is relatively easy to care for once established. It is also well suited to many South African gardens, provided it receives the right growing conditions.
1. Choosing the Right Position
Pineapple guavas grow best in a sunny position. Although they tolerate partial shade, plenty of sunlight generally encourages better flowering and fruit production. Ideally, choose a position that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Soil Requirements
Pineapple guavas prefer well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil conditions, but they do not enjoy having their roots constantly sitting in waterlogged ground. Adding compost around the base of the tree helps improve soil structure and supports healthy growth.
3. Watering
Established pineapple guava trees are reasonably drought-tolerant, but regular watering is important during flowering and fruit development. Irregular watering or prolonged dry periods can contribute to fruit drop or smaller fruit. I believe that even hardy fruit trees benefit from a little extra attention when they are carrying a heavy crop.
4. Feeding
A healthy layer of compost in spring can help provide nutrients as the tree enters its growing season. If additional fertiliser is needed, use a balanced fertiliser suitable for fruit trees, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid applying excessive nitrogen, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting.
5. Mulching
A layer of organic mulch around the tree helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and gradually improve the soil. Keep the mulch a little distance away from the trunk to prevent moisture-related problems.
6. Pruning
Pineapple guavas generally require very little pruning. I prefer allowing fruit trees to grow naturally, only removing dead, damaged or overcrowded branches when necessary. Heavy pruning can remove flowering wood and reduce the following crop, so it is best to prune carefully.
When Do Pineapple Guavas Produce Fruit?
In South Africa, pineapple guavas generally flower during spring, often between October and December.
The fruit develops over the following months, with harvesting usually taking place from late summer into autumn, depending on the variety and local growing conditions.
The fruits are oval or egg-shaped, with green skin that generally remains green even when ripe. This can make judging ripeness a little tricky!
Unlike many other fruits, pineapple guavas do not necessarily change colour when they are ready to eat.
One of the best indications of ripeness is when the fruit naturally drops from the tree.
You can also gently lift or handle a fruit to see whether it separates easily from the branch. Avoid pulling firmly on unripe fruit, as fruit picked too early may not develop its best flavour.
What Does Pineapple Guava Taste Like?
If you have never tasted a pineapple guava, you are in for something rather special!
The flavour is often described as a combination of pineapple, guava and strawberry, with a lovely aromatic sweetness. The flesh is creamy and slightly granular, with a soft, jelly-like centre containing tiny edible seeds.
The easiest way to enjoy a ripe pineapple guava is to cut it in half and scoop out the flesh with a teaspoon. The skin is edible too, although it can have a slightly bitter or tart taste. Personally, I think fruit picked fresh from your own garden always tastes that little bit better!
What Can You Make With Pineapple Guavas?
With my tree producing so much fruit this year, I am already thinking about the different ways I can use my harvest.
There are quite a few possibilities!
Pineapple guava jam: A delicious way to preserve the fruit and enjoy it long after the season has ended.
Feijoa chutney: A lovely accompaniment to cheese, cold meats and savoury dishes.
Fruit compote: Perfect for spooning over yoghurt, pancakes or desserts.
Pineapple guava muffins: The aromatic fruit can add a wonderful flavour to home baking.
Smoothies: Blend the ripe flesh with yoghurt, banana or other fruits.
Fruit leather: A great way to preserve excess fruit in a concentrated, chewy form.
Freezing: Scoop out the ripe flesh and freeze it in suitable containers for use in baking and smoothies later.
Because ripe pineapple guavas have a relatively short storage life, it is best to use or refrigerate them promptly after harvesting. I particularly enjoy finding ways to preserve whatever my garden produces, so I am looking forward to experimenting with a few recipes. Who knows, perhaps pineapple guava jam or chutney will become another favourite in my kitchen and another addition for my online store.
Can You Grow a Pineapple Guava From Seed?
Yes, pineapple guavas can be grown from seed, although there are a few things worth knowing. Seed-grown plants may take several years to produce fruit, and the fruit quality can differ from that of the parent tree. If you want a tree that produces fruit similar to a particular variety, purchasing a named, vegetatively propagated plant is generally a better option. Pineapple guavas can also be propagated from cuttings, although rooting can be challenging. For home gardeners who enjoy experimenting, growing a tree from seed can still be a rewarding project. Just remember that patience is essential!
Transparent Seed Starter Pots with Ventilation Holes & Humidity Dome Lids
Mini Greenhouse Trays for Seed Germination, Seedlings,
Succulents & Indoor or Outdoor Gardening - available from Temu
Are Pineapple Guavas Worth Growing?
Absolutely!
For me, a fruit tree does not have to produce enormous quantities of fruit every year to earn its place in the garden. There is so much pleasure in watching it grow, seeing the first flowers appear and waiting for those flowers to develop into fruit. The pineapple guava is particularly rewarding because it combines beauty with practicality.
It can be grown as a small tree, a large shrub or even an attractive edible hedge. Its evergreen foliage makes it appealing throughout the year, while its flowers and fruit provide seasonal interest. And once established, it is generally a relatively low-maintenance addition to the garden.
A Little Patience Goes a Long Way
Looking at my pineapple guava tree this year, I cannot help thinking back to last season when it only gave me a few fruits. I certainly wasn't expecting such a wonderful difference this year!
It is a lovely reminder that gardening isn't always about instant results. Sometimes we plant something, care for it and wait. And then, one season, nature surprises us. That is one of the things I love most about life at the homestead. There is always something growing, changing or teaching me something new.
Now I am looking forward to enjoying my pineapple guavas and hopefully turning some of them into something delicious in my kitchen.
Do you have a pineapple guava growing in your garden?
I would love to hear whether yours produces plenty of fruit and, more importantly, what you enjoy making with your harvest!
Happy gardening!
Much love, Angela Bruce
My Creative LifeStyle – Life at the Homestead
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