How to Grow Feijoa in New Zealand
A true New Zealand backyard icon, hardy and easy across most of the country. Plant in autumn or spring. Most varieties crop better with a second variety nearby, though Unique sets a good crop on its own. Guava moth is the main worry in the north.
When to plant feijoa in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | March, April, May, August, September, October |
| Auckland | March, April, May, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | March, April, May, August, September, October |
| Wellington | March, April, May, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March, April, May, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | March, April, May, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | March, April, May, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | March, April, May, August, September, October |
Best feijoa varieties for NZ
- Unique — Early, self-fertile variety that crops well on its own, smooth soft juicy fruit. (Waimea Nurseries, Kings Plant Barn)
- Apollo — Mid-season large sweet fruit with good eating quality, partly self-fertile. (Waimea Nurseries)
- Mammoth — Mid to late season, large fruit, best with a pollinator nearby. (Waimea Nurseries, garden centres)
- Bambina — Dwarf variety to about 1.5m with small sweet fruit, ideal for pots and small gardens. (Kings Plant Barn)
How to grow feijoa
- Space plants about 300cm apart.
- Sow seed around 15cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 1095 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 21 days.
Companion planting
Grow feijoa near: Fruit trees, Comfrey.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Guava moth, Scale. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Feijoa plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant feijoa in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in March, April, May, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy feijoa seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Waimea Nurseries, Kings Plant Barn, garden centres.