Description
Nikita is a standout pineapple guava selection from the Nikita Botanical Garden in Yalta, Ukraine — a research center known for producing cold-tolerant fruiting varieties since the 19th century. This cultivar is prized for its large, aromatic fruit, reliable yields, and strong adaptability in cooler-summer or marginal climates.
The fruit is sweet, fragrant, and richly flavored, with the classic tropical pineapple-guava aroma. Nikita typically ripens midseason and performs especially well when grown alongside another feijoa for cross-pollination. As an evergreen shrub, it also provides year-round ornamental value with dense foliage and striking red-and-white edible flowers.
Overview
- Large, aromatic fruit with excellent flavor.
- Bred at the Nikita Botanical Garden for enhanced cold tolerance.
- Partially self-fertile — heavier crops with a pollinizer.
- Attractive evergreen shrub suitable for hedges or small landscapes.
- Reliable production even in cooler coastal regions.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Acca sellowiana ‘Nikita’
Site and Soil: Well-drained soil; 1/2 day to full day of sun
Hardiness (Temp): 5°F
Bearing Age: 2–3 years after planting
Rootstock:
Size at Maturity: 10–12 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring
Ripening Time: Mid-October (varies by climate and season)
Yield: Heavy cropping
Pests and Diseases: Very resilient; few issues in most climates
USDA Zone: 7–10
Additional Notes
- Nikita is known for exceptional frost resilience compared to many traditional feijoa varieties.
- Cross-pollination with another pineapple guava increases yield and improves fruit size.
- For best flavor, harvest fruit when it naturally drops — this indicates peak ripeness.
- Explore more Pineapple guava varieties in our collection: Pineapple Guavas
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