FEIJOA Kaiteri
Acca sellowiana
A very early ripening variety with large, oval, very sweet fruit. Fruit weighing over 300 grams have been reported!
The tree is reasonably vigorous, upright with large rounded leaves.
GROWN EXCLUSIVELY BY WAIMEA NURSERIES
Provisionally protected by NZ Plant Variety Rights
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Harvesting |
Pollination
Apart from ‘Unique’ which is reliably self fertile, all feijoa varieties are only at best partly self fertile. Cross pollination between two (or more) different varieties will ensure good fruit set and fruit quality. This is because good pollination produces many tiny seeds, which leads to larger and better shaped fruit and a greater proportion of pulp. Due to the long flowering season, any combination of varieties seems to provide sufficient cross pollination.
Pollination is generally undertaken by birds, which are attracted to the brightly coloured flowers. Blackbirds in the South Island and a combination of blackbirds and mynas in the North Island are the main pollinators. Trees should be pruned to allow the birds to freely fly around and through the bush, therefore an open centre shape is recommended. A dense habit will reduce flowering and pollination.
SOIL |
Feijoas can be grown in most soils but prefer well drained, fertile soils. |
PLANTING SITE |
Sunny position is best. |
CLIMATE |
Feijoas fruit best in warmer areas of the country. Early ripening varieties are best for colder areas. |
WATERING |
Water well during the early stages, during long dry periods and when the fruit is developing. |
PESTS & DISEASES |
Feijoas are affected by very few pests and diseases. |
PLANTING IDEAS |
Feijoas can be grown as specimen trees, in a row as a hedge and pruned as a standard. Compact growing varieties can be grown in containers. |
FRUIT |
Fruit ripens from late Summer into Autumn. The fruit is ready when it falls to the ground and when it can be easily pulled from the tree. |
POLLINATION |
Some varieties are self fertile (Unique), but will produce heavier and more regular crops if pollinated by one or more varieties. Plant at least two varieties to ensure cross pollination and good fruiting. |
TREE SIZE |
Height varies by variety, ranging from 2-4m. |