Best Fertiliser for Feijoa Trees: How to Feed Pineapple Guava for Fruitful Growth

Feijoa trees (also known as pineapple guava) are hardy, productive evergreens that produce sweet, aromatic fruit and thrive with regular feeding. Common in New Zealand and increasingly popular across Australia, these subtropical fruit trees require the right nutrition at the right time to ensure healthy growth, flowering, and a heavy fruit yield.

Feijoa Basics – Growth, Appearance & Fruit

Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) is a small fruiting tree from the Myrtaceae family, grown for its edible flowers and egg-shaped green fruit with tropical, tangy flavour. It adapts well to home gardens, orchard plantings, and coastal conditions. Key characteristics:

Botanical name: Acca sellowiana
Common names: Feijoa, pineapple guava, guavasteen
Height: 2–4 m tall when mature
Foliage: Dense, silver-backed leaves; evergreen year-round
Flowers: Red and white edible petals; appear in late spring
Fruit: Green, oval fruit ripening in autumn with sweet, fragrant pulp

Feijoa trees are self-fertile but perform better with cross-pollination. They’re ideal for small yards, hedges, or mixed edible gardens and are relatively pest-resistant when well-fed.

kostiantyn-vierkieiev-9_x2Gy_SuDE-unsplash (1)

How to Grow & Maintain Healthy Feijoa Trees

Feijoas are hardy and adaptable but give their best fruit and flowering performance when grown in the right conditions. A good soil base and consistent moisture help establish strong trees. Essential growing conditions:

Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for fruit production; partial shade tolerated
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.5); add compost for improved structure
Water: Water regularly during flowering and fruit development; drought-tolerant once established
Mulching: Mulch to 5 cm thick around root zone to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Spacing: Plant 2–4 m apart depending on mature size and hedge use

Maintenance tips:

Pruning: Light prune after fruiting to shape and remove dead or crossing branches
Pest & disease: Low-maintenance; occasionally check for scale or guava moth in northern areas
Pollination: Plant more than one cultivar for better cross-pollination and heavier crops

Healthy feijoa trees reward growers with fragrant flowers, lush foliage, and generous fruit yields. Strong feeding is key to encouraging consistent productivity.

How to Fertilise Feijoa Trees: Nutrients, Timing & Feeding Tips

Feijoas are moderately hungry trees—applying the right fertiliser at the right time supports flowering, fruiting, and general health. Underfed trees may have fewer flowers, poor fruit set, and pale leaves.

Nutritional needs:

Balanced NPK: Feijoas do best with a balanced fertiliser (e.g. 20-20-20) to support foliage and fruit
Nitrogen: Supports vegetative growth in spring
Phosphorus: Encourages flower and root development
Potassium: Critical during fruiting to enhance flavour, size, and overall fruit quality
Micronutrients: Iron, zinc, magnesium to support chlorophyll and prevent leaf yellowing

Fertiliser timing:

Late Winter: First feed to support bud break and early shoot growth
Spring: Second application to encourage flowering and fruit set
Early Summer: Light application to support developing fruit
Post-Harvest: Optional feed to help tree recover before cooler months

Feeding tips:

Apply fertiliser evenly around the root zone, not at the base of the trunk
Water in well to help nutrients reach feeder roots
For potted feijoas, use liquid fertiliser every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer

With good feeding practices, feijoas will remain productive for decades, offering years of delicious autumn harvests with minimal fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fertilising Feijoa Trees

What is the best fertiliser for feijoa trees?

The best fertiliser for feijoa trees is a balanced formulation with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) — such as a 20-20-20 ratio. This supports leafy growth, flower formation, and fruit quality. Look for fertilisers with added micronutrients like magnesium and iron to support strong foliage and prevent deficiencies.

When should I fertilise feijoa trees?

Fertilise feijoa trees in late winter, spring, and early summer. Begin feeding as new growth appears, continue through flowering and fruit set, and reduce feeding once fruit matures. A post-harvest feed can help restore nutrients for the following season, especially in young or heavily cropped trees.

Can I use citrus fertiliser on feijoa trees?

Yes, many citrus fertilisers are suitable for feijoas, as they have similar nutrient requirements. Just ensure the formula isn’t too high in nitrogen, which can delay flowering. A citrus fertiliser with a moderate NPK ratio and added trace elements works well for feijoas.

Why are my feijoa tree leaves yellow?

Yellowing leaves in feijoa trees are often caused by nutrient deficiencies — particularly nitrogen, magnesium, or iron. Feeding with a balanced fertiliser and adding micronutrients can correct the issue. Ensure your soil drains well, as poor drainage can also contribute to chlorosis.

Do feijoa trees grow well in pots?

Yes, feijoa trees can grow successfully in large pots (at least 40–50 cm wide) with good drainage. Use a free-draining, slightly acidic potting mix and feed with liquid fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Container-grown trees may produce slightly smaller crops but are great for patios and small gardens.