Pineapple Guava

Pineapple Guava (Acca sellowiana), even though they are in the same myrtle family (not to be confused with the crepe myrtles, which are a different family), they are not directly related. The common name is more because the fruits are similar in flavor. This shrub can be grown as a small single-stem tree or a multi-stem bush, depending on how you want to prune and train the plant. In the panhandle area, it can typically reach around 12 ft tall, and if grown as a bush, 12 ft wide as well if left to reach max size. For those who want a bush to act as a screen or just like the look of bushes, these are a great alternative to the typical bushes grown. With the added benefit of beautiful white flowers that have petals of pink to red, closer to the base. The petals themselves are edible and great for fresh eating or for adding to salads. And are followed up with 1-4” size fruits that ripen in the fall with a flavor that fuses pineapple, guava, and strawberry together into one fruit. It is a wonderful evergreen plant that loves well-drained and constant moisture. That can be not just a source of food but also a replacement for your typical landscape plants that only look half as good.

Care

These shrubs love full sun and a nutrient-rich, well-drained site. If you are concerned about the quality of the nutrients at your site, bring in some mushroom compost and worm castings to help not only feed your trees but also feed the soil. For mulch,, you will want something like pine needles that will not attract termites if close to home, but will help keep soil pH acidic.

If you are in an area prone to high winds, then plant in a protected location, as high winds can damage this shrub. These shrubs will benefit from a boost of nutrients twice a year. If you have this as a stand-alone plant, then adding compost two to three times a year will be beneficial. If planted with other plants in more of a food forest or permaculture setting, then adding the compost the first year will help it get established, but as your living mulch grows in and the natural cycle of leaf mulch/ and the aid of chop and drop management, you will always be adding compost several times a year.

Types

There are a few varieties that are relatively easy to find in the United States. Depending on your specific location, availability will vary. Some of the varieties below are known for being self-fertile, but anytime you add more than one cultivar, you will increase fruit set, as cross-pollination can occur.

Nikita – Great for container growing as it has a compact growth habit and produces earlier than most.

Coolidge – This is an early ripening one as well, that is a larger plant, super popular in cooler regions, and considered self-fertile.

Apollo – Another self-fertile type, but this one has a late ripening. This one is a good cross-pollinator that can help extend the harvest season and has medium-sized and more gritty-textured fruits.

Pruning

Pineapple  Guava doesn’t require much pruning or fruit thinning. Depending on where you plan to grow it and the size you want it to get, it will dictate how much pruning you will do. What you do is prune if it's healthy pieces, you drop them on the ground and let nature take care of it, and compost it so it will help feed your plant.

If you want to change your landscape or include a garden and want to know how to incorporate fruit trees, bushes, and many other perennials with annual veggies, we can help. A personal consultation, either in person or online, will get you on the right track. Forget the learning curve, start in the right direction. If you are not in Florida, we can still get you going in the right direction with the right plants for your climate.

You can reach us by filling out the form on our contact page or calling us.