How to Plant a Feijoa Tree

Feijoa is a delightful, exotic fruit that is perfect for backyard gardens. With its sweet yet tangy taste and bright, juicy centers, it’s no wonder feijoa is becoming increasingly popular among gardeners around the world. If you’re interested in cultivating your own feijoa, this guide will show you how to plant a feijoa tree successfully.

Choose the Right Location

The first step to planting a feijoa tree is choosing a suitable location. Feijoas thrive in full sun, so you’ll need to find an area in your yard that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Additionally, feijoas prefer well-drained soil, so look for a spot that isn’t prone to flooding or standing water. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you may need to amend it with organic material like compost or peat moss to improve drainage.

Prepare the Soil

Before planting your feijoa tree, prepare the soil by digging a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and a few inches deeper. Mix in some compost or another organic material to help the soil retain moisture and provide nutrients for the tree. It’s also a good idea to test your soil’s pH level and adjust it to between 6.0 and 6.5, which is the ideal range for feijoas.

Plant the Tree

Once you’ve prepared the soil, it’s time to plant your feijoa tree. Remove the tree from its container and gently loosen the roots. Place the tree in the hole, positioning it so that the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill the hole with soil, making sure to tamp it down firmly and water the tree well.

Care for Your Feijoa Tree

Feijoa trees are relatively low-maintenance, but they require some care to keep them healthy and productive. Water your tree regularly, especially during its first year of growth, to help it establish a strong root system. Feijoas also benefit from regular fertilization, so consider using an all-purpose fertilizer or a specialized citrus and fruit tree fertilizer. Prune your tree annually to promote healthy growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Harvest and Enjoy!

After three to five years, your feijoa tree will be fully mature and producing a bountiful crop of delicious fruit. When the fruit ripens in late fall, it will drop from the tree and be ready to eat. Simply scoop out the soft, juicy flesh with a spoon and enjoy it raw or use it in recipes like smoothies, jams, and pies. With a little patience and care, you can have a thriving feijoa tree in your own backyard!