THE FANTASTIC FEIJOA

Hi

How do you describe the flavour of Feijoas? They would have to be one of the easiest fruits to grow as nothing seems to affect them. They provide masses of fruit that you can do a million things with as well as just eat. From baking like my dad’s cakes and muffins to Harry’s Jam. I’m sure that I have heard of them being sauced and made into chutney. It’s been master chef around here lately so will have to get Harry on to whipping up some Feijoa culinary delights instead of Galaxy’s dinner. I’ve seen some meals dished up to Galaxy (the new greyhound puppy) and I’m sure those cuts of meat should have been on my plate.

Apart from being a great source of fresh fruit, Feijoas are awesome for hedges, Topiary standards and attractive small trees that have greyish leaves and pretty red flowers.

In case you didn’t know, Feijoas are native to Southern Brazil and Northern Argentina and got their name from Brazilian botanist Joao da Silva Feijo. They seem perfectly happy in NZ doing their thing. So much so, that there have been some exciting new varieties bred here over the last few years. Anatoki and Kaiteri to name drop a couple.

It seems to me that whilst most Feijoas are at least partially self fertile they will all benefit from a little extra hanky panky. Whilst on the subject its not only the bees that help but some birds will get in on the act as well. Apparently the petals on the flowers have a sweet taste.

If you don’t have room, plant two different varieties close so that they grow as a single tree. A couple of more compact varieties are Wiki Tu and Opal Star. We have planted most of the varieties and Opal Star is a favourite. The fruit that is coming on are huge and we all know that big is best. Harry is fond of the Australian import variety Coolidge because its fruits much later.

Click here for our range of feijoas available for purchase online.

Some Fruit tips that I have found:
They fruit on new growth produced from the end of last years so bushy shrubs will bear more fruit
If you want a long fruiting season then here some suggestions to help
- Early season varieties are Anatoki, Gemini, Kaiteri, Pounamu, Kakariki and Unique.
- Mid Season, Apollo, Kakapo and Mammoth
- Late Season Opal star, Wiki Tu, Coolidge, Ramsey and Triump
Apollo is self fertile but pollinates Gemini, Coolidge is self fertile, Mammoth is self fertile, Gemini is partially self fertile, Triump goes well with Mammoth, Unique is self fertile.

Have some nice plants of Gemini and Marion normally $34.99 now just $15.99. There are also quite a few of the other exciting varieties. If you are around over THIS WEEKEND come out and TASTE TEST DADS FEIJOA AND COCONUT CAKE. I have conned him into making us a couple of cakes for you to try.

Plant Now
Dare I say it but the shortest day is looming and you need to be thinking about planting strawberries, garlic, shallots and asparagus. Garlic and Shallots are usually planted around the shortest day onwards and harvested around the longest day. Strawberries that are planted in winter make big fat plants so that by the time spring comes they are into the fruiting. Asparagus crowns are also planted in winter. Order these by emailing us at sales@wairere.co.nz or click a name to order online (strawberries, garlic, shallots and asparagus) and get Dale to yours put aside ready for planting.

Daffodils

Daffodils are still running hot so if you haven’t got yours be in and get them. Daffodils mixed box $60.00 or half box $30.00. Click here to buy online. Harry potted up some for his mother who is in her mid 80s. There are daffs in there and pansies on top he says. To which she replies I may not be around for the daffodils. He answers don’t worry there are early and late flowering varieties in there. She glared at him but he sure is his mother’s son.

Click here for Harry’s latest jam sensations using the last of the season’s figs


Next newsletter, Fig and Orange tart.

Get out to the Nursery or order online www.wairere.co.nz

Have a great weekend
Cheers Lloyd and Harry
Make it a Wairere weekend


Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, RD 1, Hamilton
07 824 34 30
www.wairere.co.nz