Growing and caring for feijoa in open ground and at home, beneficial properties

Sometimes summer residents take on the task of growing unusual plants that are completely atypical for the climate of the region where they live. When growing feijoa on the site, the gardener needs to know the subtleties and features of planting. By following them, it is possible to get an excellent harvest.

Botanical description and characteristics of the southern tree

To get to know an exotic plant better, you need to study its biological description. Knowing what a plant is, it is easier to breed and grow it.

External parameters

It is a shrub or a tree, depending on the method of formation. The peculiarity of the plant is that it is evergreen. In addition, the spreading crown grows up to 7 m in height.

The shrub loves moisture, for this reason its roots lie close to the surface, are highly branched and compact.

Due to its unusual appearance and exotic origin, the tree is used as a decorative decoration for the site.

The flower has white petals and many red stamens. Why does feijoa become even more exotic during flowering?

Growth process

The feijoa tree is used for the art of bonsai, growing dwarf trees indoors. Feijoa responds well to pruning and shaping. It belongs to fast-growing plants.

Reproduction

There are several ways to breed southern plants; every gardener can choose the most suitable one:

1. Seeds. Ineffective because they germinate poorly.
2. Cuttings. Cut from the middle of the crown. The efficiency is high; after rooting, they are planted in a permanent place.
3. Root shoots. Fast and highly efficient.

More often, gardeners use the method of propagation by shoots, since the plant is rooted and grows quickly.

Pollination, flowering and fruiting

Feijoa is self-sterile, so it requires insects for pollination. During flowering, insects are attracted by spraying the tree with a sweet solution.

Flowering is abundant and very colorful throughout the month. Therefore, many gardeners grow the tree as a decoration for their garden plot.

When the berries ripen depends on the climatic conditions of the growing region. With proper care and compliance with all agricultural technology requirements, fruiting is annual and abundant.

Taste qualities of berries

This plant is loved for its extraordinary combination of taste characteristics of 3 fruits:

• pineapple;
• kiwi;
• strawberries

The harmonious combination allows feijoa fruits to be used for fresh consumption and for winter storage.

Application of fruits and leaves of the tree

Summer residents use the ripe fruits of the crop and leaves, which help in the treatment of certain diseases. Their correct use has a beneficial effect on the human body.

In cooking

Ripe fruits are used mainly for preparing fruit salads. In addition, berries are great for cooking:

• jam;
• compotes;
• jams;
• juice;
• pies fillings;
• various desserts and much more.

The berry is suitable for decorating cakes and other culinary baked goods.

Due to its extraordinary taste, feijoa is used for fresh consumption. In addition, the fruits are used to prepare meat, fish and other dishes.

In cosmetology

Both the leaves and fruits of the southern plant are used for cosmetic purposes. Fruits that can rejuvenate the skin, relieving it of various diseases are in demand.

Feijoa is used to prepare masks that have a nourishing, anti-inflammatory, refreshing and softening effect on the treated area (face, décolleté, hands). In addition, blood circulation improves and inflammation is relieved.

In folk medicine

This fruit has been successfully used to treat or alleviate the symptoms of certain diseases. The berry is useful for diabetics, as it improves the functioning of the thyroid gland. A decoction of the leaves helps relieve inflammation in the presence of ulcers.

The norm for using feijoa for diabetics is no more than 2 pieces.

Using fruit as food, you can:

• fight stress;
• control blood pressure;
• fight pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal diseases;
• prevent colds and atherosclerosis;
• increase vitality and immunity.

This is not a complete list of the positive effects of fruit on the body. When eating feijoa berries, it is necessary to take into account the medicinal properties and contraindications of the fruit. It is not advisable to use in the following cases:

• if the fruit is unripe, it causes poisoning;
• do not mix with dairy products;
• Use with caution if you have diabetes;
• Not given to children under 1 year of age.

There is no need to mindlessly eat berries; you should listen to the body’s reaction.

Methods of growing feijoa

There are several ways to grow southernwood. Every summer resident has the right to choose the one that is suitable for himself. The most common methods of feijoa propagation are cuttings and planting seeds.

Seeds

A very long but simple process. Varietal characteristics are not preserved. It takes 5 years from planting a seed to the appearance of the first fruits. Feijoa planting material is used fresh or old, but not older than 2 years. The fruit from which the seeds are taken must be fully ripe.

Planting dates January-March. Experienced summer residents advise doing this in February. The seeds are small, so they are scattered in a small pot and sprinkled with a little soil. Then they are covered with polyethylene and left until germination, maintaining humidity. The optimal temperature for germination is +18…+25 ⁰С. Approximate time until germination is 1 month.

After the appearance of the second leaf, the seedlings are picked and left for a year in containers. Only next year they are transplanted to a permanent place.

Cuttings

This method is more labor-intensive, but all the properties of the mother plant are preserved. The favorable period for reproduction in this way is November–December. A branch 15 cm long is cut from the bush; it must have at least 3 leaves. One is removed before planting, leaving only the top 2.

To speed up rooting, use “Kornevin” or another product that stimulates the growth of the root system. After this, the branch is buried 2/3 of the way into the ground. Then cover with a glass container, ventilating periodically.

Planting and caring for seedlings in open ground

It is possible to grow feijoa on a plot; to obtain the result, you need to fulfill the necessary conditions and requirements of agricultural technology

Recommended growing areas

The southern plant loves warmth and does not tolerate low temperatures very well, especially harsh winters. Therefore, cultivation in areas with harsh climates is impossible in open ground. Including in the Moscow region, when growing feijoa on his territory, a summer resident risks losing the tree.

Most suitable:

• Crimea;
• Georgia;
• Azerbaijan;
• Krasnodar region.

In other regions, planting a tree is only possible if it is moved to a warm place for the winter.

Required soil composition

The peculiarity of the plant is that it is undemanding to the soil composition. But feijoa prefers sandy and loamy soil.

Timing and scheme for planting sprouts

Planting in each region is individual, as it directly depends on the climate. Plants are planted in spring or autumn. The distance between trees is 4 m.

Loosening the soil

After each watering, it is necessary to loosen the soil near the tree; this will help provide oxygen access to the roots and retain moisture in the soil longer.

Watering

When growing feijoa, you should remember that it always needs moisture. But do not be zealous, as excess liquid harms the plant. Therefore, water after the top layer dries.

Fertilizer

To increase the volume of fruits, it is necessary to regularly feed the southern tree, alternating organic matter and mineral fertilizers. Fertilizing is carried out throughout the growing season.

Seasonal pruning and pinching

In order to limit the growth of feijoa, you need to pinch it, just do it carefully. Only seedlings that have reached a height of 30 cm are pinched, and 1/3 of the tallest shoot is removed.

Annual spring-autumn pruning of the plant is carried out regularly, excess branches are removed, and a crown is formed where the main branches grow and do not interfere with the growth of neighboring branches.

Do not forget about sanitary pruning; remove all dry branches and those with defects.

Preparing for winter

In harsh winter conditions, you should protect the plant by wrapping it for the winter. The frost resistance of the tree is average; it can withstand temperatures down to -11 ⁰C. In severe frosts, the entire plant will die. Further growth is possible only from the root.

It is best to plant domestic varieties of exotic fruit in such regions.

How to grow at home

To grow indoors, you need to select a feijoa variety and soil for planting. Then, by caring for it, they get a good harvest from the mini-tree.

What you need: soil, drainage and a pot

The soil composition is as follows; the following components are taken in equal parts:

• humus;
• turf;
• sand.

Gardeners say that feijoa is undemanding to the composition of the soil, so it grows in ordinary garden soil or store-bought substrate.

The container is initially taken small; within 3 years the plant must be replanted, each time using a larger pot.

Lighting and thermal conditions

The plant is southern, so it loves light. But not direct sunlight, which can cause burns. If there is insufficient lighting, homemade feijoa should be provided with additional lighting.

During flowering, the temperature should be approximately +21...+23 ⁰С, in winter the plant rests, so it is enough to maintain +15 ⁰С.

Irrigation

Water in the same way as in open ground, as the top layer dries. In addition, the tree is sprayed with water, the more often the better, because it loves humidity.

Regular feeding

They use mineral fertilizers and organic matter, as well as natural fertilizers, nettles, charcoal and other substances. By alternating them with each other, the gardener helps the plant become stronger and bear fruit.

Crown formation

The peculiarity of feijoa is that it tolerates shaping well. Some of the varieties of this tree are used for bonsai art. Thus, at home, using garden shears, the tree can be given any shape. Formation begins from the moment the tree reaches a size of 30 cm.First of all, the growth point is removed. And then as your imagination dictates.

Plant pests and diseases. Ways to fight

This tree, like other fruit trees, needs the help of a gardener in the fight against pests and diseases. Feijoa is disease resistant. But timely implementation of preventive treatments against insects and diseases will not hurt.

Feijoa is exotic and has long ceased to be a novelty. Therefore, any gardener with the desire and capabilities can grow a tree.