The Story
Plant Bio
Acca sellowiana is a dense, evergreen shrub native to the highlands of South America, characterized by thick, leathery leaves with silvery-white undersides. The species produces distinctive flowers with fleshy, edible petals and a prominent central boss of stiff red stamens, followed by green, egg-shaped fruit.
'Antoinette' is a self-fertile cultivar that reliably sets heavy crops of fruit without requiring a cross-pollinator. It maintains a compact, semi-upright form reaching approximately ten feet in height and width, making it highly suited to smaller gardens or orchard spaces.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
118"
Width
118"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Medium
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Early summer
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to maximize flower and fruit production, ensuring the soil drains freely.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container to avoid burying the crown.
- Apply a thick layer of organic mulch over the shallow root zone to conserve moisture, keeping the mulch clear of the main stem.
- Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season and throughout summer fruit development to prevent premature fruit drop.
Pro Tip
Prune immediately after the fall harvest to stimulate new spring wood, as flowers and subsequent fruit only form on the current season's growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Apply a balanced organic fertilizer annually in early spring to support new growth.
- Maintain consistent soil moisture while the fruit is swelling on the branches.
- Thin the inner canopy lightly to improve light penetration and pollinator access.
Don't
- Do not hack severely into old, bare wood, as it may fail to produce new shoots.
- Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, which triggers root rot.
- Do not plant in deep shade where flowering and fruiting will be severely reduced.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| 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.
When does Pineapple Guava bloom?
Pineapple Guava typically blooms in 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.