Once established, the pineapple guava tree or shrub needs little to no irrigation. The plant grows slowly over the course of a few years and can reach 15-25 feet in height if allowed, though it may be kept to a size of 8×8 feet if pruned regularly. Heavy pruning in the early spring and late summer will ensure a desired shape.

The tree produces small, edible green fruit which naturally fall from the tree in late October-December. Its white and pink flowers bloom in spring or early summer to provide nectar for bees and birds, which ignore the fruit. Likewise, deer seem to be uninterested in this plant.