Troubleshooting
Feijoa problems — and how to fix them
Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Poor fruit set without a pollinator
Many feijoa cultivars are partly or wholly self-incompatible and need a second variety nearby plus pollinators (birds and bees). Plant two cultivars and encourage pollinators to improve cropping.
Premature fruit drop
Fruit can drop early due to drought stress or irregular watering during development. Keep soil evenly moist through the fruiting period and mulch to buffer moisture swings.
Scale and mealybugs
Sap-sucking scale and mealybugs may colonise stems and leaf undersides, sometimes with sooty mould. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap and encourage natural predators.
Fungal leaf spot in wet conditions
Damp, crowded canopies can develop leaf spotting. Prune to open the centre, improve airflow, and clear fallen debris.
Prevent feijoa problems before they start
Most feijoa issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for feijoa in general rather than its problems? Read the full feijoa care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Feijoa problems — FAQ
Why is my feijoa poor fruit set without a pollinator?
Many feijoa cultivars are partly or wholly self-incompatible and need a second variety nearby plus pollinators (birds and bees). Plant two cultivars and encourage pollinators to improve cropping.
Why is my feijoa premature fruit drop?
Fruit can drop early due to drought stress or irregular watering during development. Keep soil evenly moist through the fruiting period and mulch to buffer moisture swings.
Why is my feijoa scale and mealybugs?
Sap-sucking scale and mealybugs may colonise stems and leaf undersides, sometimes with sooty mould. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap and encourage natural predators.
Why is my feijoa fungal leaf spot in wet conditions?
Damp, crowded canopies can develop leaf spotting. Prune to open the centre, improve airflow, and clear fallen debris.