Is the Brazilian guava hardy?

Content

• Is the Brazilian guava hardy?
• Is the Brazilian guava really hardy?
• Winterize the Brazilian guava properly
• So hibernate the Brazilian guava outdoors
• Tips

The Brazilian guava tolerates only mild winters

Is the Brazilian guava hardy?

The Brazilian guava (Acca sellowiana) is not related to the real guava (Psidium guajava) despite the similarity. Although not outwardly, but tastefully, the fruits of both species differ greatly from each other. Regarding cultivation and care, however, both plants are quite similar, with one exception: in contrast to the real guava, the Brazilian guava, also known as pineapple guava or feijoa, is to some extent hardy.

Is the Brazilian guava really hardy?

Many traders declare the Brazilian guava as hardy. In fact, the plant tolerates light frosts easily, but not permanently and certainly not when the minus degrees slip into the double digits. The shrub comes from the tropics and subtropics and even if there are now quite robust varieties (for example, from France or New Zealand), these are not yet perfectly adapted to the Central European climate with its sometimes harsh winters. So, if you have to count on very cold winters in your region, you better not plant the Brazilian guava, but cultivate it in a bucket.

Winterize the Brazilian guava properly

The shrub stays best during the summer months outdoors. You can clear the plant from the outside in April, but be aware of possible late frosts - these can destroy the new shoots. Either empty the bucket overnight into the house or protect the plant with a fleece. During the winter months, cultivate the Brazilian guava as follows:

So hibernate the Brazilian guava outdoors

Many plant lovers have left their Brazilian guava outside in mild winters. In principle, this is possible if you pack the shrub at lower temperatures and protect it against the frost. Wrap the pot with a warming fleece or dig it into the ground - potted plants are more likely to freeze due to the lack of soil layer. Also the above-ground parts should be packed carefully with fleece. Be sure to use breathable materials to prevent fungal growth underneath.

Tips

In early spring, the Brazilian guava should be cut back.