The Story
Plant Bio
Acca sellowiana, commonly known as pineapple guava, is a dense, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to the highlands of South America. The thick, leathery leaves are glossy dark green above with contrasting silvery-white, velvety undersides, while the late-spring flowers feature fleshy white petals and a dramatic cluster of crimson stamens.
'White Goose' is a selected cultivar grown for its reliable fruit production and upright, bushy growth habit. While partially self-fertile, planting it alongside another compatible cultivar significantly improves fruit size and overall yield.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
118"
Width
118"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Multi-decade
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained loam, sand, or clay soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
- Water deeply at planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
- Apply a balanced general-purpose fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer to support healthy canopy growth and fruit development.
Pro Tip
Prune lightly immediately after the fruit harvest to shape the canopy and maintain light penetration; cutting back severely into old, leafless wood results in slow, patchy recovery.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during hot, dry summer spells to prevent premature fruit drop.
- Mulch around the base of the shrub to conserve soil moisture and protect roots.
- Plant a second cross-compatible cultivar nearby to maximize fruit size and yield.
Don't
- Do not plant in poorly drained sites or low spots prone to prolonged waterlogging.
- Avoid heavy pruning into old, bare wood inside the canopy, as it fails to regenerate easily.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely while the fruit is actively developing.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Pineapple Guava questions
What zones can Pineapple Guava grow in?
Pineapple Guava is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Pineapple Guava deer resistant?
Yes — Pineapple Guava is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Pineapple Guava bloom?
Pineapple Guava typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Pineapple Guava need full sun?
Pineapple Guava does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Pineapple Guava drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pineapple Guava handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Pineapple Guava with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.