Feijoa (Acca sellowiana), also known as feijoa, is an evergreen plant of the myrtle family that can be successfully grown in temperate climates with proper care. The plant takes the form of a bush or a small tree up to 5 m high and prefers sunny places with good ventilation. For optimal growth, planting on the southern side of the site is recommended, where the plant receives maximum light. Soils should be fertile, well-drained, preferably loamy or clay-loam with rich humus. In open ground, hardening is important, otherwise the aboveground parts may freeze.
Feijoa starts flowering in May and bears fruit in autumn – usually in October–November. The fruits are dark-green berries up to 5 cm long, transparent inside, soft, with a sour-sweet taste reminiscent of a mix of pineapple, strawberry, and kiwi. They contain high levels of vitamin C (up to 82% of the daily norm), iodine, fiber, and antioxidants, making them beneficial for digestion, immunity, and the cardiovascular system.
Care for feijoa is simple: watering during drought in the active growth period, spraying in hot weather and in winter, feeding with organic fertilizers in spring–autumn. Pruning is carried out once a year, removing dry or overcrowded branches to maintain a compact appearance and stimulate fruiting. Reproduction is possible by seeds (sown in January–March) or by cuttings (in November–December). With proper care, feijoa grows quickly, starts bearing fruit as early as 3–5 years after planting, and can serve as both a decorative element of the garden and a source of delicious berries for home consumption.
