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Pineapple guava/feijoa sellowiana leaves dying #368983

Asked October 09, 2016, 9:23 PM EDT

The leaves on my one-year-old pineapple guava are slowly getting black spots, then dying.  This is happening to the two plants I planted out into the yard, about 75 feet apart, but not to the two plants that are still in gallon pots, only 15 feet from one of the suffering ones.  What is happening?  Is it a disease, or nutrient deficiency, or ?  Thanks for your help- I would love to be able to grow this delicious fruit here in Dallas!

Rockwall County Texas

Expert Response

Thanks for your question. Your question indicates that you live in Dallas. I am sending you this from Rockwall County. The pineapple guava is indeed a beautiful plant.   It does however require acidic soil.  Our black land is alkaline, so that may be part of your problem. I would consider it like the azaleas.  They too require acidic soil.  So if you have not made major soil amendments you will continue to see the leaf spots   Also water regularly; do not overwater  They requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings - this can be very challenging in the black lands with our expansive soils.

One option would be raising your plants and having them in a raised bed situation.  This would allow you to monitor them better with your soil amendments and the moisture.

If you choose to keep them in the ground I would recommend taking a soil analysis so you will know what type of amendments you need to create the desired environment for your plants.  It may be much easier to put your plants in a large container and know exactly what soil type or medium you are using.  This could also allow you to move them into view or around the garden when they to do bloom.




An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 18, 2016, 10:16 AM EDT
Thank you for the reply!  I hadn't seen any info on what kind of soil a feijoa would like, and it never occurred to me that it could be just a pH problem.  Thank you, I will figure out how to get them into the soil that they need.  The ones still in pots, in just Miracle-Gro potting mix, are both doing fine, which makes sense now.

Sorry about the reference to Dallas-  we are indeed here in Rockwall, but I made the reference to Dallas just to mean in the DFW area.  I'll remember to be more clear in the future, since Rockwall does have its own agricultural circumstances.

Thanks again, and I really appreciate the service you provide.  It definitely makes a difference!  :)
The Question Asker Replied October 19, 2016, 10:15 AM EDT

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