Introduction to Growing Guava at Home
Guava (Psidium guajava) is a delicious tropical fruit packed with vitamins and antioxidants. With the right care, you can grow guava trees in your backyard or even in containers. This guide covers everything from choosing the right variety to harvesting your own homegrown guavas.
Choosing the Right Guava Variety
There are several guava varieties to consider for home cultivation:
- Tropical Pink: Sweet, aromatic fruit with pink flesh
- White Indian: Mild-flavored with white flesh
- Ruby Supreme: Red-fleshed variety with excellent flavor
- Mexican Cream: Small, sweet fruits perfect for containers
Planting Guava Trees
Guava trees can be grown from seed or purchased as young plants. For best results:
- Plant in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.0–7.0
- Choose a sunny location (minimum 6 hours daily)
- Space trees 10–15 feet apart in the ground
- For containers, select a 10–15 gallon pot with drainage holes
Caring for Your Guava Tree
Proper care ensures healthy growth and fruit production:
Watering
Water deeply 2–3 times per week during dry periods. Established trees are drought-tolerant but produce better fruit with consistent moisture.
Fertilizing
Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer (8-8-8 or 10-10-10) during the growing season. Reduce feeding in winter.
Pruning
Prune in early spring to maintain shape and improve air circulation. Remove dead or crossing branches to prevent disease.
Pest and Disease Management
Common issues include:
- Fruit flies: Use traps or organic sprays
- Scale insects: Treat with horticultural oil
- Anthracnose: Prevent with proper spacing and fungicides if needed
Harvesting Guavas
Guavas typically bear fruit in 2–4 years. Harvest when fruits:
- Change color (varies by variety)
- Yield slightly to gentle pressure
- Develop strong fragrance
Pick carefully by hand to avoid bruising. Ripe guavas store for about a week at room temperature.