How to grow feijoa hedge
Overview
Feijoa hedge (Acca sellowiana) is an evergreen shrub from South America, valued in Australia and New Zealand for its edible, aromatic fruit and dense, attractive foliage. It is grown as a productive screen or hedge, and benefits from cross-pollination with another variety for heavier crops.
Varieties
- Apollo — Large, sweet fruit with good flavour; popular in home gardens.
- Mammoth — Very large fruit, mild flavour; good for fresh eating.
- Coolidge — Early ripening, reliable cropper; suited to cooler areas.
- Unique — Self-fertile variety, good for single-plant gardens.
Soil Preparation
Feijoa prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Enrich with well-rotted manure or compost before planting. Ensure soil is free-draining; heavy clay can be improved with gypsum and raised beds. Avoid waterlogged sites.
Growing Guide
Plant feijoa in full sun in well-drained soil; space 1–1.5 m apart for a dense hedge. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, backfill with compost, and water in well. Mulch deeply after planting. For best fruit set, plant at least two different varieties or ensure a neighbour has one. Water regularly until established, then reduce to weekly deep soaks in dry periods.
Sowing
Feijoa can be grown from seed, but it is slow and variable; most gardeners buy grafted or cutting-grown plants. If sowing, plant fresh seed 5 mm deep in seed-raising mix, keep moist and warm (20–25°C), and expect germination in 3–6 weeks. Transplant to pots when 10 cm tall.
Care
Feed feijoa in early spring with a balanced citrus or fruit fertiliser. Prune lightly after harvest to shape and remove dead wood; avoid heavy pruning as it reduces next season's fruit. Mulch annually with compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Thin fruit if clusters are dense to improve size.
Companion Planting
Good companions include citrus, rosemary, and lavender, which share similar sun and soil needs. Avoid planting near eucalypts or acacias, which may compete for water and nutrients. Feijoa also pairs well with other fruiting hedges like guava or lemon.
Common Pests & Risks
Fruit fly can damage ripening fruit; hang traps or use eco-friendly bait from early autumn. Scale insects may appear on stems; treat with horticultural oil in winter. Birds may take fruit; netting can help. Leaf spot is rare but treat with copper spray if needed.
Harvesting
Harvest feijoa fruit when they fall to the ground, typically from late autumn to early winter. Pick up fallen fruit promptly to avoid spoilage and fruit fly. Fruit is ready when it gives slightly to pressure and has a strong, sweet aroma. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
In the Kitchen
Feijoa fruit is eaten fresh by cutting in half and scooping out the sweet, tangy flesh. It can be used in smoothies, jams, chutneys, and desserts. Store unripe fruit at room temperature until soft; ripe fruit keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: often caused by poor drainage or iron deficiency; improve soil and apply chelated iron. Brown leaf edges: may be salt burn from fertiliser or dry conditions; water deeply and reduce feeding. Poor fruit set: lack of pollination; plant two varieties or hand-pollinate. Fruit drop early: irregular watering or stress; keep soil consistently moist. Scale on stems: treat with horticultural oil in winter.