Description
Takaka is a new, high-quality pineapple guava (feijoa) from New Zealand, prized for its very early ripening, large fruit, and thin, edible skin. Bred by Nigel Ritson in Golden Bay and named after the nearby town of Takaka, this variety represents the modern wave of New Zealand feijoa work focused on flavor, fruit size, and reliable cropping in cooler coastal climates. Fruit is sweet, aromatic, and easy to eat fresh right out of the hand. As with other feijoas, Takaka is an evergreen shrub that brings both beauty and utility to the landscape, with showy red-and-white flowers in late spring and a flush of fruit in fall. It’s an especially good choice for gardeners who want feijoas to ripen earlier than many standard varieties.
Overview
- Very early ripening — earlier than many standard pineapple guava varieties.
- Large, flavorful fruit with thin, edible skin.
- Self-fertile but heavier cropping with another feijoa nearby.
- Evergreen and ornamental — attractive foliage and striking flowers.
- Cold-hardy for a subtropical shrub — suitable for sheltered Zone 7 sites.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Acca sellowiana
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: 8–12 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring
Ripening Time: October to November (varies by climate and season)
Yield: Heavy cropping
Pests and Diseases: Generally very resilient; typically few pest or disease issues
USDA Zone: 7–10
Additional Notes
- Fruit often drops when fully ripe — check beneath the shrub regularly during harvest season.
- Takaka’s thin skin makes it especially pleasant for fresh eating compared to many seedling feijoas.
- Light pruning after harvest helps maintain shape and encourages new fruiting wood.
- Explore more Pineapple guava varieties in our collection: Pineapple Guavas
