Growing guava trees: Tips for sweet, homegrown fruit

Indoor gardening is becoming more interesting, especially when people want to plant fruit trees to enjoy nature at home. Fruit trees produce yummy fruits and can clean the air, reduce stress, and boost mental well-being. One such plant is the Guava Tree.

Guava is a popular tropical fruit grown in many warm regions. They enjoy the heat and can’t handle the cold but can do well in a decent-sized pot and a cozy spot. People often turn this fruit into yummy jams, jellies, preserves, and tasty fillings for pastries.

Growcycle provides helpful guides on nurturing evergreen trees, including Guava trees, so gardeners can enjoy fruits and lush lawns. The following article will cover key details about the Guava tree, such as its characteristics, uses, and care routine.

Botany of Guava Tree

Guava is a short, broad, evergreen shrub that grows in Central and South America. It belongs to the Myrtle family and is closely related to the rose apple. Here are some of the botanical features of this plant:

1. Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Mrytle
• Genus: Psidium
• Botanical Name: Psidium guajava
• Common Name: Guava
• USDA zone: 10, 11, 12
• Plant Type: Fruit, Tree

2. Physical Characteristics

• Tree: These are small trees with one trunk or several, growing up to about 20 feet (6.1 m) tall, with canopies that can be broad, spreading, or upright. It is a single or multi-trunked tree. The bark has a mottled mix of greenish-brown and light-brown shades.
• Leaves: The leaves are oval-shaped and come in pairs. They are 3 to 7 inches (7.6–18 cm) long. The underside of the leaves has serrated edges and noticeable veins. When the plants are young, the bottom side of the leaves feels a bit fuzzy.
• Flowers: The flowers are white and about an inch (2.54 cm) wide, appearing alone or in small groups in the leaf axils of new growth. They can self-pollinate, but getting help from insects for cross-pollination usually gives better results.

• Fruit: The fruit is a berry with a few to lots of small brown seeds inside. It can be round, ovoid, or pear-shaped, usually weighing between 1 ounce and 48 ounces (28 g–1.4 kg). The peel can be green or yellow, and the flesh can be white, yellow, pink, or red. Depending on the type, the peel can be thick or thin. It is available in a wide range of flavors and aromas, from sweet to very sour, with some having strong scents and others being mild and pleasant.

3. Origin and Habitat

• Guava trees grow best in warm subtropical and tropical climates.
• They also thrive in southwestern Europe, especially in the Costa del Sol area of Málaga, Spain, and Greece, where people have been farming commercially since the mid-1900s.

4. Propagation

• Air layering is an effective method of growing guava plants. It allows for the production of new plants while retaining the properties of the original plant.

• Gardeners can also propagate it using water or soil propagation.

Types of Guava Trees

Here are the primary types of guava trees and their unique characteristics:

Benefits of Growing Guava Trees in the Garden

Here are some of the top benefits of having Guava trees in the garden:

• Vitamin Powerhouse: Guava is a highly nutritious fruit rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients support heart and digestive health. One guava provides double the daily recommended vitamin C, more than an orange.

• Natural Pharmacy: Guava leaves also offer health benefits. When used in teas or extracts, they provide many advantages. Studies suggest that guava leaf extract may help control blood sugar levels, which is promising for people with diabetes.

• Anticancer and Skin Health: Tests have shown that guava leaf extract can slow down the growth of cancer cells. While it shouldn’t replace medical treatment, it may have potential in cancer research.

• Heart Health and Digestion: Guava is high in potassium and soluble fiber, which helps keep the heart healthy. It may lower blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol levels.

• Add Blooms and Beauty: Guava trees are also visually appealing, with fragrant flowers and lush green leaves. The sweet smell of guava flowers acts as a natural air freshener, boosting the garden with a tropical scent.

• Improve the Ecosystem: Besides looking good, guava trees benefit the ecosystem by attracting birds and butterflies. Planting a guava tree beautifies the yard and supports local wildlife.

• Provide Resilience: Guava trees are drought-resistant and thrive even in dry conditions. They require little care; just plant them, and they will grow even without much rain.

• Biodiversity: These trees can support biodiversity by providing shade and shelter for local wildlife. This is especially important in urban areas where green spaces are limited.

How to Grow and Plant Guava Trees?

Guava is a warm-climate tree that grows fragrant flowers and sweet, juicy fruit. It is easy to grow, and gardeners can propagate guava trees easily. Here is how a gardener can plant it:

1. Choose a Planting Location

The best place to grow guava trees is a tropical or subtropical region. They do best where the summers are warm and the winters aren’t too cold. The temperature should usually be between 59 °F (15 °C) and 82 °F (28 °C). The fruit might not taste as good if it gets below 59 °F (15 °C).

2. Select a Spot with Proper Sunlight

Pick a sunny spot for the tree. It must receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Gardeners should keep it away from shaded areas, so find a place where the house and other things won’t block the sun. Also, ensure plenty of space around it so the top of the tree won’t hit anything.

3. Choose Well-Drain Soil

Look for well-drained and healthy garden soil. Guava can grow in all sorts of soil as long as it allows water to flow easily. To check if the soil is good, dig a hole about 1 foot (0.30 m) deep and pour water. If it soaks up quickly, it’s a good sign. If the water sits there, find a different spot.

It’s best to avoid shallow or compacted soil, as this can make it difficult for the roots to spread. If the soil is tough and packed down, mixing in some compost can help loosen it up. Dig down about 2 feet (0.61 m) and work the compost into the soil.

4. Plant the Guava Tree

Try to plant in the spring, around late March. Spring weather is just right for planting things like guava trees. The soil is easier to dig, and gardeners can use rain to help water the plants.

Gardeners can plant it through stem cuttings or seeds. Most gardeners choose cuttings because they tend to produce more and better-quality fruit than seeds, but seeds are usually cheaper.

Dig a hole about 2 feet (0.61 m) deep, clearing out any rocks or junk. After digging the hole, loosen the soil at the bottom. If using a pot, ensure it’s also at least 2 feet (0.61 m) deep.

5. Place the Seed or Cutting in the Hole

Put the seed or cutting in the hole and pile dirt on top until growers have a mound about the length of the index finger. If growers are planting seeds, set them right on that mound. For cuttings, hold the cutting by the graft line or crown and place it on the dirt, ensuring the graft line sticks out above the ground. Then, spread the roots out in the hole.

The mound of dirt is made from soil that has already broken up, making it easier for the new roots to dig in. If gardeners plant a few trees, keep them about 10 to 12 feet apart so they don’t fight over water.

6. Fill the Hole around the Tree or Seed

When planting around a tree or seed, gardeners should fill the hole with soil but avoid packing it down too tightly; the soil should stay loose. They should ensure the tree has enough room for its roots to spread easily.

For cuttings, it is important to keep all roots below the soil surface and make sure the graft line is visible. Any roots growing above the graft line should be trimmed off.

After planting, gardeners should crouch down to check whether the cuttings are standing upright. Small flags can be used to mark where seeds are planted. Once the seeds start sprouting, these flags can be removed.

Tips to Care for Guava Trees

Caring for guava trees involves providing the right conditions and regular maintenance to ensure healthy growth and fruit production. Here are some essential tips:

1. Light

Guava trees thrive in bright sunlight and need plenty of it to produce flowers and fruit. For the best results, they should be planted in a location with full sun for at least six hours daily. Ideally, eight to ten hours of direct sunlight daily will help the tree produce more fruit. The more light the tree receives, its harvest will be bountiful.

2. Soil and Water

Guava trees can adapt to various types of soil, but they grow best in soil rich in organic matter with a pH level between 5 and 7. The soil should drain well to prevent waterlogging. When planting a guava tree, it’s important to water it generously every other day during the first week.

After that, water it once or twice a week while it’s actively growing. Reduce watering during the winter months, when the weather is cooler, to avoid overwatering the tree.

3. Temperature and Humidity

Guava trees flourish in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 90°F. Planting guava trees in large pots can be a smart choice in regions with hot, humid summers but chilly winters. This makes it easier to move the tree indoors when temperatures drop. However, guavas struggle in dry, arid climates like deserts because they need a certain humidity level to grow well.

4. Fertilizer

Fertilizing guava trees regularly keeps them healthy and encourages fruit production. Feed the tree with fertilizer every two months when it is young. Once it is established, reduce feeding to every three months.

Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer with a formula like 5-5-5 or 6-6-6. Guava trees also benefit from added iron and magnesium. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the tree is dormant.

5. Pruning

Regular pruning helps guava trees stay healthy and productive. Use clean, sterilized pruning shears to remove any diseased or damaged branches. This prevents problems from spreading and allows the tree to focus its energy on healthy growth.

If the tree needs to be kept at a manageable size, prune it every two years, preferably at the end of winter. Cut just above new buds to encourage fresh growth while protecting the developing shoots.

Common Pests and Diseases of Guava Trees

Here are some of the most common pests and diseases of guava trees:

1. Guava Moth

• Problem: The Larva of this moth makes the guava tree inedible and survives on leaves.
• Solution: Cover the fruit with a paper bag and spray biological control agents.

2. Red-banded Thrips

• Problem: Attack of these pests results in defoliation and browning of leaves.
• Solution: Inspect the guava plants, especially in summer and fall

3. Guava Whitefly

• Problem: These pests eat on leaves, resulting in wilt
• Solution: Use insecticidal spray or neem oil

4. Red Alga

• Problem: Common symptoms include reddish to purplish-brown circular spots, leaf-dropping, and loss of tree turgor.
• Solution: Apply foliar copper spray and prune the tree regularly.

5. Anthracnose

• Problem: Common symptoms include large, irregular dead spots 
• Solution: Prune the trees regularly, apply foliar copper once or twice a month

FAQs

Where do guava trees grow best?

Guava trees love warm tropical and subtropical areas to soak up the sun. They do best in soil that drains well and is nice and loamy, with a pH between 5 and 7. They also enjoy moderate humidity and temperatures between 65°F and 90°F.

What is special about the guava tree?

The guava tree is special because it can grow in various climates and soil. It gives tasty fruits packed with vitamin C and a great smell. Additionally, it grows fast, needs little care, and can produce fruit all year long, which makes it stand out.

How long does it take for guava to grow?

Guava trees start producing fruit in 2 to 4 years if growing from grafts or young plants. In the case of seeds, it can take 3 to 8 years. Once established, they can bear fruit several times a year when the conditions are good.

The Bottom Line

Guava plants are a great option for people who love growing fruit plants in their yards. This fruity plant is easy to care for and adds beauty to any lawn or garden. With the right care, it grows well and produces yummy fruits and beautiful leaves.

Gardeners and homeowners can explore Growcycle for everything they need to nurture their guava trees. This friendly marketplace offers fantastic gardening supplies and top-notch customer service to help keep the plants healthy and vibrant with ease.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.

Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.