Guava Trees are a tropical fruit tree well suited to the home garden. Producing a sweet, fragrant fruit ranging in size from a large walnut to that of a small orange.
And here we are talking about the tropical Guava, Psidium guajava.
A number of ‘Seedless Guava’ tree varieties are now being offered by nurseries. The ‘Indonesian Seedless’ is one. When you cut it open the center of the fruit is a small cavity where the seeds would normally be found.
Other seedless varieties are around, some have fewer seeds, others vary a little as the number they have depending on the season.
Look for grafted plants for best results and consistent fruit quality.
Guava trees are a semi – deciduous tree native to tropical America. The Allahabad or White Guava and The Cherry Guava are two varieties popular with the home gardener.
Care
Guava Trees are a tropical tree that will tolerate only light frosts. Best in USDA Zones 9b to 11.
They do require regular fertilizer and like to have adequate water, but not to be waterlogged.
Although they will reach around 8m they are easily pruned back to 3m.
Growing conditions
Consider that Psidium guajava or ‘Tropical Guava’ come from central America and Mexico, they do like warmer climates. However they also like a distinct cooler winter.
Guava tree grow well in tropical to sub tropical climates, so the best areas to grow them are in Florida and Hawaii.
In protected positions or ‘microclimates’ they will grow well in coastal areas of California. They will also grow in some areas of s Texas and Georgia,
How to grow the Tropical Guava
- Position
Frost free is essential and full sun is best for best fruit. - Soil
Best fruit production and growth will be in humus rich soils, so dig in lots of compost and aged cow manure. They will grow in poorer soils however fruit production can be limited. - Watering
Again, water is important especially from flowering to fruit harvesting.Many growers choose drip irrigation. In dry summers fruit production will be poor. - Fertilizer
These are a hungry tree, they love rich soil so for best fruit production use good amounts of a high nitrogen fertiliser after pruning. - Pruning
Fruit is on new growth, so pruning is easy. Best pruned just after harvesting. - Propagation
For all commercial propagation Guava are propagated from cuttings.
We are asked
Do you eat Guava Seeds?
Guava seeds are not easy to digest, and can cause bowel problems, so although you can eat them you probably should not. Consult your doctor.
How do you make Guava Juice
Remove the skin and the seeds, put the diced pulp or flesh in a blender. Add lemon, ginger, honey or other flavourings.
How do you know when Guava fruit is ripe.
If the skin is on the yellow side of green, and the fruit is slightly soft, and it gives off a guava aroma, it is ripe. The tastiest guava will ripen on the tree although they do continue to ripen after harvesting.
How To Cut Guava
- Wash well.
- Slice in half
- Remove seeds
- Slice into wedges.
Make Guava Paste
It similar to making jam
Varieties
Guava tree varieties and cultivars include :
- Beaumont – A popular variety with pink flesh.
- Detwiler – The only yellow fleshed variety
- Hong Kong Pink (one of he best for the home garden),
- Mexican Cream – One of the commercial varieties that is suited to the home garden.
- Kilo White Guava – White flesh and very few seeds
- Peruvian White Guava – White flesh, large fruit and few seeds.
- Thai White – White flesh and very few seeds, crisp and crunchy texture.
- Ruby Supreme – Pear-shaped, yellow skinned guavas with thick skin and pink flesh.
- Red Indian. – Pink to red flesh.
- Red Malaysian.
- Ruby X.
- Sweet White Indonesian. -Crisp white flesh.
- White Indian.
- White Seedless.
- Indonesian Seedless – Seedless or almost seedless
Also look for the related ‘Strawberry Guava’ as well as the Chilean Guava (Ugni Molinae)
Growing Guava from Seeds
Seeds are best planted in containers in a fine potting mix. Plant Guava seeds around 1/2 inch deep. They need warmth, moisture and good light to germinate. In cooler climates use a heated propagating tray.
Guava trees are available for sale from the following specialist nurseries.
GARDINO NURSERY Rare & Unusual Plants
Tropical plant nursery that specializing in a wide variety of rare and unusual plants. Shipping is available to retail and wholesale customers nationwide. Our site also contains lots of useful information on a variety of tropical plants (over 500 varieties) and a gardening guide.
www.gardinonursery.com
