What To Know
- These flowers develop into the feijoa fruit, a green, oval-shaped fruit with a sweet, tangy flavor reminiscent of guava, pineapple, and strawberry.
- The fruit will be ready to harvest when it turns a deep green and becomes slightly soft to the touch.
- With proper care and attention, your feijoa hedge will thrive, providing you with delicious fruit, a stunning visual barrier, and a touch of the tropics in your garden.
Are you looking for a unique and flavorful addition to your garden that also provides a beautiful, natural barrier? Look no further than the feijoa hedge! This versatile plant offers delicious fruit, attractive foliage, and a low-maintenance, hardy nature. Learn how to grow feijoa hedge and enjoy its benefits for years to come.
Understanding the Feijoa
Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) is a subtropical evergreen shrub native to South America. It’s known for its distinctive, oval-shaped leaves that are a deep green on top and silvery underneath. In late spring, feijoa plants produce fragrant, white flowers that resemble tiny, fuzzy bells. These flowers develop into the feijoa fruit, a green, oval-shaped fruit with a sweet, tangy flavor reminiscent of guava, pineapple, and strawberry.
Choosing the Right Feijoa Variety
Several feijoa varieties are available, each with unique characteristics. Consider these factors when choosing the right variety for your hedge:
- Fruit Size and Flavor: Some varieties are known for their large, juicy fruits, while others are smaller but more flavorful.
- Growth Habit: Some feijoas grow upright, while others have a more spreading habit.
- Cold Hardiness: Choose a variety that can withstand the coldest temperatures in your region.
Popular feijoa varieties include:
- ‘Coolidge’: Known for its large, flavorful fruit.
- ‘Triumph’: Produces an abundance of medium-sized fruit with a sweet, tangy flavor.
- ‘Mammoth’: A vigorous grower with large, juicy fruit.
- ‘Pineapple’: Produces fruit with a strong pineapple flavor.
Planting Your Feijoa Hedge
Once you’ve chosen your feijoa variety, it’s time to plant them. Here’s how:
1. Site Selection: Feijoas prefer full sun to partial shade. They also need well-drained soil, as they are susceptible to root rot.
2. Spacing: Plant feijoa shrubs 3-4 feet apart for a dense hedge.
3. Planting Depth: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
4. Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, ensuring the root ball is at or slightly above ground level.
5. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.
Pruning for a Lush Hedge
Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and density of your feijoa hedge. Here’s a guide to pruning your feijoa hedge:
- Initial Pruning: After planting, prune the top of the feijoa to encourage branching and a bushier shape.
- Annual Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
- Shape and Density: Remove any crossing branches or stems that are growing inward.
- Fruit Production: If you’re interested in maximizing fruit production, prune after fruiting to encourage new growth and fruit buds.
Fertilizing Your Feijoa Hedge
Feijoas are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they benefit from occasional fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Use a slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients throughout the growing season.
Protecting Your Feijoa Hedge
Feijoas are generally pest-resistant, but they can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some tips for protecting your feijoa hedge:
- Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Diseases: Feijoas are susceptible to fungal diseases, such as leaf spot and root rot. Good drainage is essential to prevent these diseases.
Harvesting Your Feijoa Fruit
Feijoa fruit ripens in late fall or early winter. The fruit will be ready to harvest when it turns a deep green and becomes slightly soft to the touch.
- Harvesting: Gently twist the fruit from the branch to harvest.
- Storage: Feijoa fruit can be stored at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate the fruit for up to 2 weeks.
Enjoying Your Feijoa Hedge
Your feijoa hedge will provide you with years of enjoyment. It’s a beautiful and functional addition to any garden, offering delicious fruit, attractive foliage, and a natural barrier.
The Feijoa Hedge: A Final Word
Creating a feijoa hedge is a rewarding endeavor that combines beauty and practicality. With proper care and attention, your feijoa hedge will thrive, providing you with delicious fruit, a stunning visual barrier, and a touch of the tropics in your garden.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: How long does it take for a feijoa hedge to grow?
A: Feijoa hedges can take a few years to reach their full height and density. With proper care, they can reach a height of 10-15 feet.
Q: Can I grow feijoa hedges in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow feijoa hedges in containers, but they may not reach the same size as those planted in the ground. Choose a large pot with good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.
Q: Are feijoa fruits edible?
A: Yes, feijoa fruits are delicious and versatile. They can be eaten fresh, used in jams, jellies, and baked goods.
Q: Can I prune my feijoa hedge in the summer?
A: It is best to prune your feijoa hedge in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Pruning in the summer can stress the plant and reduce fruit production.
