Pineapple Guava (Nikita)

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 sunHardiness (Temp): 5°FBearing Age: 2–3 years after plantingRootstock:Size at Maturity: 10–12 ftBloom Time: Late springRipening Time: Mid-October (varies by climate and season)Yield: Heavy croppingPests and Diseases: Very resilient; few issues in most climatesUSDA 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