Despite the similarity, the Brazilian guava (Acca sellowiana) is not related to the real guava (Psidium guajava). Although not externally, the fruits of both species differ greatly from one another in terms of taste. However, in terms of cultivation and care, 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 hardy to a certain extent.
Is the Brazilian guava hardy?
The Brazilian guava (Acca sellowiana) is conditionally hardy and can tolerate light frosts. In regions with very cold winters, cultivation in a bucket is recommended. During the winter months, the plant should be kept in a bright, 10 to 15 °C cool winter quarters.
Is the Brazilian guava actually hardy?
Many dealers declare the Brazilian guava to be hardy. In fact, the plant tolerates light frosts without any problems, but not permanently and especially not when the temperatures drop into the double digits. The shrub comes from the tropics and subtropics and even though there are now quite robust varieties (for example from France or New Zealand), they are not completely adapted to the Central European climate with its sometimes harsh winters. So if you have to expect very cold winters in your region, it is better not to plant the Brazilian guava, but rather to cultivate it in a container.
Overwintering the Brazilian guava properly
The shrub is best left outdoors over the summer months. You can move the plant outside from April, but be careful of any late frosts - these can destroy the new shoots. Either put the pot back in the house overnight or protect the plant with a fleece. During the winter months, care for the Brazilian guava as follows:
- The perfect winter quarters as bright as possible and cool to a maximum of 10 to 15 °C.
- The rule applies: the warmer the winter quarters, the more light the guava needs.
- If the plant still bears fruit that needs to ripen, cultivate it warm and bright.
- In this case, installing additional plant lamps (€89.00 on Amazon) is essential.
- When the winter is cool, there is no fertilization and little watering.
How to overwinter the Brazilian guava outdoors
Many plant lovers have left their Brazilian guavas outside during mild winters. In principle, this is possible as long as you wrap the shrub appropriately at lower temperatures and thus protect it against frost. Wrap the pot with a warming fleece or bury it in the ground - potted plants are more at risk of freezing due to the lack of a layer of soil. The above-ground parts should also be carefully wrapped with fleece. Make sure to use breathable materials to prevent fungal cultures from forming underneath.
Tip
The Brazilian guava should be cut back in early spring.
