Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 



235 



are due to the presence of too much chalk in the soil, and advises as a remedy a 

 small amount of iron sulphate worked in around each tree. He emphasizes par- 

 ticularly the importance of a light soil and an abundance of humus. 



That the Feijoa is drought- resistant has been thoroughly demonstrated. A 

 ten-year-old plant in Dr. Franceschi's garden at Santa Barbara has never had a 

 drop of water except from the skies, and yet it has made a fair growth and is 

 bearing regularly. And while the fruit grown without irrigation is probably of 

 very fine flavor, it is probably not advisable to subject the plant regular!}' to such 

 severe conditions. A liberal supply of water during the first few years results 

 in much greater growth and more fruit. After the fifth or sixth year a large 



Figure 95. Showing an eight-year-old example of the upright type of Feijoa raised 

 by Mrs. J. Murietta in Los Angeles. 



amount of water is not required, but for best results it is necessary to irrigate the 

 Feijoa as frequently as citrus fruits. During the blooming season water should 

 be withheld as much as possible, and until after the fruits have set, when it may 

 be applied liberally to assist in the develojjment of the fruits. 



Fertilizers of all kinds must be applied with caution, or they will stimulate the 

 growth of the plant at the expense of the fruit. A small quantity of bone meal, or 

 some other form of commercial fertilizer not too rich in nitrogen, may be advan- 

 tageously applied each year, as it increases both the quantity' and size of the fruit. 

 Well rotted manure can be used to supply the much-needed humus, and should be 

 used liberally, but any manure that greatly stimulates the growth of the plant 



