The Story
Plant Bio
Acca sellowiana is a dense, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to South America, characterized by thick, leathery leaves with dark glossy green topsides and silvery-white, felted undersides. The spring flowers feature fleshy, sweet white petals with deep crimson interiors and a prominent cluster of stiff, bright red stamens.
'Apollo' is a selected cultivar grown for its reliable, high-quality fruit production and a slightly more compact, rounded growth habit reaching ten feet in height. While partially self-fertile, it produces significantly larger fruit and higher yields when cross-pollinated with another variety.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
118"
Width
98"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
- Water deeply at planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
- Apply a balanced general-purpose fruit tree fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges.
Pro Tip
Plant in a location with exceptional drainage, as heavy or waterlogged soils quickly trigger fatal Phytophthora root rot. To maximize fruit size and yield, plant a companion cultivar like 'Gemini' or 'Mammoth' nearby to facilitate cross-pollination.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune annually immediately after harvesting to maintain shape and encourage new fruiting wood.
- Provide supplemental irrigation during fruit development to improve size and flesh quality.
- Mulch the root zone to conserve moisture and protect shallow roots from temperature extremes.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils without incorporating drainage amendments.
- Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood, as it lacks active buds and will fail to regenerate.
- Do not over-fertilize with high-nitrogen mixes, which promotes excessive foliage at the expense of flowers and fruit.
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?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Pineapple Guava, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Pineapple Guava bloom?
Pineapple Guava typically blooms in spring through spring. 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.