Pineapple Guava

Acca sellowiana   syn : feijoa sellowiana, Myrtacées

The Pineapple Guava makes an interesting edible hedge plant for North and Central Florida.

It is neither kin to a guava nor a pineapple!  But 'pineapple guava'  sounds a lot more enticing than 'feijoa sellowiana'  --- if you can even pronounce that.

Sweet, edible green fruit with a pear-like texture ripens in the fall: August to October. It has a sweet fragrance even before it is fully ripe. Flavor is something like a cross between pineapple, guava and mint.

Size of fruit varies from small kumquat size to kiwi size, depending on soil and growing conditions.  Florida varieties of pineapple guava will be smaller,  like a kumquat.   There are newer named varieties that produce larger fruits, but are not available in Florida yet.  

To serve, cut the fruit in half and scoop the pulp out with a spoon. Pineapple Guava is sometimes called self fertile, but it only sets a few pieces of fruit. Planting two or more increases yields on each plant to an actual crop.

It requires cool temperatures in the 20's to 50's for successful flowering.   So don't try this in zone 10a.  Blooms in April & May.  This drought tolerant plant is an evergreen shrub with leathery green leaves and silvery undersides.

Drought tolerant and can also be grown in large pots. Prefers full sun, does not grow thick or bloom well in partial shade.    Prefers slightly acidic soils.