So, you love the flavor of tropical guava and have planted a tree of your own and are anxiously waiting for it to fruit. Unfortunately, your patience seems to be unrewarded, as there is no fruit on your guava tree. There are several reasons for a guava tree not fruiting. If you are beside yourself because you have a guava tree with no fruit, take a deep breath and read on to find out how to get guava trees to fruit.

Help, My Guava Tree Won’t Fruit!

First, it’s helpful to know a little bit about guavas in order to determine why a tree won’t fruit. First of all, guava plants need full sun to part shade to grow, but they cannot tolerate too much heat. That said, they also dislike the cold and are very frost tender. Guava trees can grow in U.S. hardiness zones 9 to 11, which translates to Hawaii, Florida, protected areas of California and Texas, and the Virgin Islands. Also, whether grown from seed or grafting, guavas will not bear fruit until their third year. That is, of course, provided you have been giving the tree the correct amount of irrigation and nutrition, as well as well-draining soil with a pH of 4.5 to 7.0. So, if your tree is in an area protected from frost, in a sunny to partially sunny locale in zones 9 through 11, and you have been consistent with fertilization and irrigation, there must be a different reason for no fruit on your guava tree. A guava tree with no fruit may also be the result of a pollination problem. Apple guava, Pisidium guajava, will either need a partner to cross pollinate with or will need some help from you in the form of hand pollination. Pineapple guava, Feijoa sellowiana, will be more likely to bear fruit when hand pollinated.

How to Get Guava Trees to Fruit

Guavas can be grown in the ground or in a pot, but if you choose to grow them in a pot, be sure to choose one that is at least a foot (31 cm.) across or larger. Also, make sure the pot has good drainage holes. In either case, make sure you’re planting in well-draining soil that has been amended with plenty of compost. Choose a site sheltered from cold winds or frosts in full to partial sun. Spread a 3 to 4 inch (8-10 cm.) layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and to nourish roots. Retarding weeds is important since it also suppresses pests. If removing weeds with garden equipment, be careful of the tree's shallow root system. Be sure to provide the tree with adequate water. At planting and for the first month, water daily. Once the tree is established, you may reduce the water to once per week, water at the base of the tree deeply. Fertilize the tree with a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Use 8 ounces (237 ml.) each month for the first year and then 24 ounces (710 ml.) every other month from the trees second and successive years. Water the tree after fertilizing to help carry the nutrients through the plants roots and to avoid nitrogen burn.

Guava trees are wonderful specimens to have in your garden or backyard to give you a real, tropical flavor. Just like any fruit tree, guavas have a big payoff but a bigger investment, which means it can be disheartening or downright terrifying when something seems to go wrong. One especially common complaint is guava leaves turn yellow. Keep reading to learn more about recognizing and treating yellow leaves on a guava tree.

Why are My Guava Leaves Yellow?

Oftentimes, when a gardener reports yellowing guava leaves, it’s on a tree that’s being grown in a pot and overwintered indoors. Guava trees can’t really tolerate temperatures below freezing, which means that gardeners in most zones have to bring them inside for the colder months. This is the likeliest reason for yellow leaves on a guava tree-- a combination of different light, water, and humidity. It’s especially common for this yellowing to happen in the spring, at the point when the tree has spent the most time indoors. Usually, the yellowing will begin at the lowest leaves and work its way up. Some may even fall off. Luckily, guava trees are very resilient. If your tree seems to be yellowing over the winter, the best thing to do is wait for warmer weather. Once it’s back outside, it ought to perk up.

Other Causes for Yellow Guava Leaves

Of course, not all yellow leaves on a guava tree are due to overwintering. If your tree is outdoors in the heat, there are a number of other possible causes. Most plants will turn yellow as a sign of stress-- if the weather is exceptionally hot or cool and/or wet or dry, this could be the culprit. There is also a chance that the yellowing leaves are a symptom of nematodes. There are a number of nematodes that attack guava tree roots. To discourage nematode infestations, mulch your guava trees and pay special attention to fertilizer and water. Always avoid planting where there is a known nematode infestation.

Guavas are amazing, very distinctive fruits that have a truly tropical flavor. Some gardeners are lucky enough to have a guava tree or two in their backyard. If you’re one of those lucky ones, then you’re probably wondering how to get the most out of your guava crop. One popular method is thinning. Keep reading to learn more about guava thinning and how to thin guava fruit.

What is Guava Thinning?

Guava thinning is the strategic removal of some fruits before they reach maturity. This practice allows the tree to expend the same amount of energy on developing fewer fruits, which results in them growing much larger. It also gives them more space to grow, improving air circulation and cutting down on disease and pests.

Do Guavas Need to be Thinned?

Should I thin my guavas? Guava thinning isn’t strictly necessary. After all, guava trees in the wild aren’t thinned, and they do just fine. Guava trees in the wild aren’t trying to produce fruit that’s appealing to humans. Most people would agree that it’s a lot more satisfying to have a smaller number of big, attractive fruits than a larger number of small fruits. It’s also just a little less overwhelming. The overall verdict is that, yes, guava trees really do benefit from fruit thinning.

How to Thin Guava Fruit

Thinning guava fruit isn’t hard. It’s important to thin the fruit, and not the flowers, as you never know which flowers are going to be pollinated successfully. Once the fruit has set, remove some of them by hand. How do you know how many to remove? The best measurement is to thin the fruits so that when they reach maturity, no two fruits will be touching each other. Guava trees are famously productive, so this might take some work. If you keep at it, though, you should be rewarded with a crop of big, exceptional guavas this year.

Having your very own guava tree is great. The fruits have a distinct and unmistakably tropical flavor that can brighten up any kitchen. How do you start growing a guava tree? Keep reading to learn more about guava cutting propagation and growing guava trees from cuttings.

How to Propagate Guava Cuttings

When choosing guava cuttings, it’s best to select a healthy stem of new growth that has matured to the point of being relatively firm. Cut off the terminal 6 or 8 inches (15-20 cm.) of the stem. Ideally, it should have two to three nodes worth of leaves on it. Immediately sink your cutting, cut end down, in a pot of rich, moist growing medium. For better chances of rooting, treat the tip with a rooting hormone before placing it in the growing medium. Keep the cutting warm, ideally at 75 to 85 degrees F. (24-29 C.), by heating the growing bed from beneath. Keep the cutting moist by frequently misting it. After six to eight weeks the cutting should have started to develop roots. It will probably take an additional four to six months of growth before the new plant is strong enough to be transplanted out.

Guava Cutting Propagation from Roots

Root cutting propagation is another popular method of producing new guava trees. The roots of guava trees that grow near the surface are very prone to putting up new shoots. Dig up and cut off a 2 to 3 inch (5-8 cm.) tip from one of these roots and cover it with a fine layer of rich, very moist growing medium. After several weeks, new shoots should emerge from the soil. Each new shoot can be separated and grown into its own guava tree. This method should only be used if you know the parent tree was grown from a cutting and not grafted onto a different rootstock. Otherwise, you might get something very different from a guava tree.

The sweet nectar of the guava plant is a special sort of reward for a job well done in the garden, but without its inch wide (2.5 cm.) flowers, fruiting will never happen. When your guava won’t flower, it can be a frustrating – and sometimes even alarming – development, but no flowers on a guava doesn’t always spell trouble.

Why Won’t My Guava Bloom?

As with many plants, guavas wait to bloom until they detect that conditions are right for their offspring to develop and succeed. Otherwise, why waste the effort that goes into producing seeds? No blossoms on guava usually points to an environmental problem, rather than a pest or disease, but you still have no blossoms on guava! Here are some common factors to consider: Plant age. Fruit plants need several years to mature before they can bear. For guavas, that means a wait of three to four years from planting to your first harvest. If your plant is younger than this, or you don’t know when it was planted, and it looks otherwise healthy, it’s pretty safe to assume it’s just too young to flower. Excessive watering. In many parts of the world, guava is considered a weedy plant, often seen growing in ditches and other unkempt areas. Much of its success is due to its ability to tolerate very dry conditions. It is because of that; guava isn’t a huge fan of being overly wet. In fact, flooding can induce leaf drop, stem dieback, and even tree death, all things that will interfere with blooming and increase stress on the plant. Keep your guava on the dry side. Seasonal timing. If you’re eagerly waiting for blooms now because you read somewhere that guavas bloom in spring and you can harvest the fruit in fall, this may be the root of your problem. The many guava varieties actually bloom and set fruit at different times of the year, so your plant may literally just not bloom in the season you were told it should. Sun exposure. Guavas living the good life inside may refuse to bloom because they lack one vital ingredient all blooming guavas require: ultraviolet light. Guavas like a lot of bright, direct sunlight, but if your plant is inside, don’t move it into a window or leave it outside all at once. Slowly acclimate it to brighter conditions, first leaving it in a shaded outdoor spot for a few hours at a time, gradually working up to a few hours in sun and ultimately, full time in the sun. Alternatively, you can look into full spectrum plant lighting kits to give your plant all the tools it needs to succeed inside. Root binding. Guavas are a varied group, growing in a variety of sizes and forms. A few are well suited to large pots, but many are not and should be planted in the ground. If your guava is in a pot smaller than five gallons (19 L.), it’s time to repot it. Guavas tend to form very large, sprawling root systems and bloom more readily when they can really spread out beyond their own canopies.

All plants perform optimally when they receive the nutrients they require in the right amounts. This is Gardening 101. However, what seems like such a simple concept is not so simple in execution! There is always a bit of a challenge in determining a plant’s fertilizer requirements because variables such as frequency and quantity, for instance, can change over the course of the plant’s lifetime. Such is the case with guava trees (USDA zones 8 through 11). Read on to learn more about feeding guava trees, including how to feed a guava and when to fertilize guava trees.

How to Feed a Guava Tree

Guavas are classified as a heavy feeder, which means they require more nutrients than an average plant. Regular applications of guava tree fertilizer are needed to keep pace with this fast-growing plant in order to ensure the production of bountiful high-quality flowers and fruit. The use of a guava tree fertilizer with a 6-6-6-2 (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium-magnesium) ratio is recommended. For each feeding, scatter the fertilizer evenly on the ground, starting a foot (31 cm.) from the trunk, then spreading out to the tree drip line. Rake it in, then water.

When to Fertilize Guava Trees

Refrain from feeding guava trees from late fall to midwinter. For new plantings, a once-a-month fertilizing regimen is recommended during the first year after the plant exhibits signs of new growth. A half-pound (227 g.) of fertilizer per tree per feeding is recommended for fertilizing a guava tree. During consecutive years of growth, you will scale back the frequency of fertilizing to three to four times per year, but you will be increasing the dose of the fertilizer up to 2 pounds (1 kg.) per tree per feeding. The use of copper and zinc nutritional sprays for fertilizing a guava tree is also suggested. Apply these foliar sprays three times a year, from spring to summer, for the first two years of growth and then once a year thereafter.

Guava trees (Psidium guajava) are small fruit trees native to the American tropics. They are usually cultivated for their fruit but are also attractive shade trees for tropical or subtropical climates. If your guava leaves are turning purple or red, you’ll need to figure out what is wrong with your tree. Read on to find out why you see purple or red guava leaves on your tree.

Why are My Guava Leaves Changing Color?

Guava trees are normally small evergreen trees. Healthy leaves are stiff and slightly leathery, a dull green, and smell good when you crush them. If you see purple guava leaves, you may be asking, “Why are my guava leaves changing color?” Although there are several possible causes, the most likely reason for purple or red guava leaves is chilly weather. If you see your guava tree turning red or purple, it may be caused by cold. Guavas are native to tropical areas and only grow in very warm areas like Hawaii, southern Florida, or southern California. Ideally, these trees prefer a temperature range between 73 and 82 degrees F. (23–28 C.) They can be damaged or killed by temperatures of 27 to 28 degrees F. (-3 to -2 C.), while mature trees are somewhat hardier. If the temperature has dropped near or below these levels lately, this cold snap is likely the cause of your red or purple guava leaves. You’ll need to assist the tree to stay warm. If the guava tree turning red/purple is young, transplant it to a warmer, more weather-protected site near the house. If it is a mature tree, consider using a plant cover when temperatures are likely to fall.

Other Causes for a Guava Tree Turning Red/Purple

You may also see the leaves of your guava tree turning red if it has spider mites. These are tiny insects that lurk on the underside of the leaves. You can get rid of them by hosing off the leaves or washing them with a solution of dishwashing soap and water. When guava leaves are turning purple or red, the tree may also be lacking required nutrients. This is especially true when they are grown in alkaline soil. Be sure that the tree is growing in soil with some organic content and apply an appropriate fertilizer to keep the tree healthy.

Guavas are a group of tropical trees in the Psidium genus that produce delicious fruit. Guava paste, juice, and preserves are important in the cuisines of Caribbean and southeast Asian countries, and the fruits are eaten fresh or cooked. Today, the common guava (Psidium guajaba) is grown in places as far apart as Florida, Hawaii, India, Egypt, and Thailand. Properly pruning a guava tree is an important part of its care. If you’re wondering how or when to prune guava trees, this article is for you.

How Do I Prune My Guava Tree?

Guava is a shrubby tree that grows densely and will attempt to spread horizontally along the ground. You can, therefore, choose to prune guavas into the shape of a tree or a bush, or even grow them as a hedge. If you prune your guava in bush form, branches will emerge from near the ground. If you train your guava into a tree shape by selecting a single trunk, the fruiting limbs will emerge from 2 feet (61 cm.) off the ground and up. In either case, it’s best not to allow your guava to grow taller than 10 feet (3 m.), or it could blow over in strong winds. Now, let’s learn how to prune a guava properly to encourage its healthy growth and maximize fruit production.

Guava Tree Pruning Techniques

Three types of cuts are used on guava trees: thinning cuts, heading back, and pinching. Thinning helps counteract the tree’s dense growth to let light and air into the inner branches, which helps them stay healthy and productive. It also makes the fruit easier to reach. To thin, simply remove some of the branches by cutting them at their base. Pinching means removing the growing tip of shoots. Heading back means pruning individual branches to reduce their length. These techniques allow you to control the horizontal spread of the tree. Guava flowers on new growth, so these cuts also induce the tree to produce more flowers and fruit. It is important to prune established trees regularly to prevent them from spreading away from the original planting location. Guavas have become invasive trees in some regions of Florida, Hawaii, and elsewhere. Remove any suckers that appear at the base of the tree or above the roots and cut back branches that spread too far.

When to Prune Guava Trees

Prune guavas three to four months after planting to train them to the desired shape. If you are pruning yours to a tree shape, select a single trunk and three or four lateral (side) branches. Remove all other shoots. Pinch back the tips of the selected side branches when they are 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.) long. This will encourage them to produce additional branches. After this, prune your guava tree annually to maintain its symmetry and remove excessive growth. Guava tree pruning should be performed in late winter or early spring. Diseased branches and suckers can be removed at any time of year. Commercial growers also conduct severe “crop cycling” pruning to delay fruiting on individual trees in the following season. This practice allows a planting to produce fruit over a longer period.

Guava is a popular tropical fruit tree. The fruit is delicious eaten fresh or in a host of culinary concoctions. Not only is the tree known for its fruit, but it has a long-standing tradition of use as a medicinal remedy for numerous ailments. The bark is especially valuable due to its high content of tannin, proteins, and starch. There are many homeopathic medicines available containing guava. Before you try these, however, you should know how to use guava tree bark safely and consult with your doctor prior to dosing.

What to Do With Bark from Guava

Herbal remedies are making a comeback as the pharmaceutical industry increases prices and side effects from approved drugs become known. Many natural remedies have the ability to replace harsh pharmaceutical drugs, often without excessive dependency and alternate effects. However, it is always best to talk to a knowledgeable professional prior to self-dosing with any product. Guava bark remedies may contain such side effects as constipation and other adverse reactions in combination with diabetes and antidiarrheal medicines. Preparing natural concoctions yourself should be frowned upon. This is because any natural remedy has very specific preparation requirements and improper practices can open up a pathway of toxicity and potential harm. Many guava bark remedies are readily available on the internet and in natural health stores. This begs the question, what to do with bark from guava? Anecdotal evidence and modern health practitioners claim it is useful in the treatment of certain ulcers and diarrhea. It may also be helpful in alleviating sore throat, stomach issues, vertigo, and even to regulate menstrual periods. These claims have not been vetted by the FDA, so caution is advised.

Guava Tree Bark Uses

The bark is harvested, dried, and crushed for use in medicines. It is then decocted or infused as a tea. Modern medicines are encapsulated for easier dosing, or it can be found in powders, liquids, and tablets. Excessive dosing can cause extreme purging and be fatal in some cases. Ingestion of the decoction should only be done under a physician or herbal professional's guidance. It is best to use professionally derived supplements for maximum safety. Certain trials are considering its use as an antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic. Soaking the crushed bark, straining it, and using it topically is generally considered safe. Guava tree bark is an effective astringent, helping with acne and other skin conditions. All parts of the plant contain oxalic acid, which can cause a stinging sensation and should be used in moderation topically. Direct ingestion can promote swelling of the tongue and mucous membranes, especially in sensitive individuals. Again, caution should be taken when using the plant internally. The antibacterial properties of the bark make it useful to treat cuts, wounds, abrasions, and ulcers. The high Vitamin C content of the plant is also apparent in the bark and has good antioxidant properties. These can help fight free radicals in skin, leaving the complexion refreshed and renewed. Cosmetic guava tree bark uses abound and are generally considered safe in all but the most sensitive individuals. Disclaimer: The content of this article is for educational and gardening purposes only. Before using or ingesting ANY herb or plant for medicinal purposes or otherwise, please consult a physician or a medical herbalist for advice.

If your guava tree has outgrown its current location, you might be thinking of moving it. Can you move a guava tree without killing it? Transplanting a guava tree can be easy or it can be hard depending on its age and root development. Read on for guava transplant tips and information on how to transplant a guava.

Moving Guava Fruit Trees

Guava trees (Psidium guajava) come from the American tropics and the fruit is grown commercially in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Florida. They are small trees and rarely get above 20 feet (6 m.) tall. If you are transplanting a guava tree, your first step is to find a suitable new site for it. Be sure the new site is in full sun. Guava trees accept a wide range of soil types and grow well in sand, loam, and muck, but prefer a pH of 4.5 to 7. Once you have located and prepared the new site, you can get on with moving guava fruit trees.

How to Transplant a Guava

Consider the age and maturity of the tree. If this tree was just planted a year ago or even two years ago, it won’t be hard to get all of the roots out. Older trees, however, may require root pruning. When you transplant established guava trees, you risk damaging feeder roots that are charged with absorbing nutrients and water. Root pruning can keep the tree healthy by encouraging it to produce new, shorter feeder roots. If you are transplanting a guava tree in spring, do root pruning in the fall. If moving guava trees in autumn, root prune in spring or even a full year in advance. To root prune, dig a narrow trench around the root ball of the guava. As you go, slice through longer roots. The older the tree, the larger the root ball can be. Can you move a guava tree immediately after root pruning? No. You want to wait until new roots grow in. These will be moved with the root ball to the new location.

Guava Transplant Tips

The day before the transplant, water the root area well. When you are ready to start the transplant, reopen the trench you used for root pruning. Dig down until you can slip a shovel under the root ball. Gently lift out the root ball and set it on a piece of untreated natural burlap. Wrap the burlap around the roots, then move the plant to its new location. Place the root ball in the new hole. When you are moving guava trees, set them into the new site at the same soil depth as the old site. Fill in around the root ball with soil. Spread several inches (8 cm.) of organic mulch over the root area, keeping it off the stems. Water the plant well just after transplant. Continue irrigating it throughout the entire next growing season.

Guava fruit is an extremely versatile food. It has a rich history as a medicinal, tanning agent, dye, and wood source. Guava fruit uses run the gamut from sweet to savory applications. There are numerous guava benefits nutritionally, with its high Vitamin C content as well as loads of lycopene and powerful antioxidant properties. Whether you are a cook that uses the fruit or simply like it around for the medicinal benefits, cooking with guava can add tropical dimension to recipes while enhancing your health.

Cooking With Guava

Guava trees are commonly cultivated in South and Central Americas, as well as India, Spain, and several South Pacific islands. It is not certain from whence it came, but many scholars believe it might have been introduced by explorers to certain regions and distributed by animals and birds in others. The trees have a short bearing season but can be prolific with the fruit. This leaves the gardener wondering what to do with guavas? Rather than waste the fruit, look outside the usual uses as jellies, juice, and pastries and add some zing to meat, sauces, and cocktails, then move on to topical and medicinal uses for guava fruit. You have a bumper crop of guavas and have already made some preserves, frozen some prepared fruit, and made guava daiquiris. Now what to do with guavas? Cooking other recipes seems to make sense, since the fruit is ready and in season but you are sick of all the usual applications for the fruit. Savory recipes using guavas have become a hit on the culinary scene. Try mixing guava with items like garlic, onions, sweet or hot peppers, and exotic spices. A sweet and savory chutney pairs well with Indian, Asian, or Caribbean recipes. Grilled meats lend themselves to a guava glaze or sauce with a smoky, sweet finish that appeals to all parts of the palate. Fresh guava incorporated into a salsa is an easy way to make a memorable snack and just needs some corn chips to finish the recipe. Even veggies benefit from a tangy salad dressing featuring guava, garlic, shallot, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and your favorite oil. Cooking with guava is an excellent way to excite the taste buds while enhancing nutritive health.

Other Uses for Guava Fruit

A natural and inexpensive beauty routine can feature guava fruit. Their antioxidant properties diminish free radicals and balance skin when used topically. Make your own facial with crushed guava flesh and an egg yolk. Spread over complexion and rinse off in ten minutes. This will leave skin refreshed, diminish dark spots, and under eye circles while tightening skin. Crushed leaves mixed with water may also help combat acne and blemishes when used topically. Uses for guava encompass more than skin care. Using guava as part of a weight loss regimen can help keep you feeling full and may help regulate metabolism. Topical guava benefits may include wound healing capabilities, anti-itching properties, and possibly even hair restoration. Once you have exhausted your culinary and beauty applications for the fruit, there are other guava fruit uses that will enhance your wellbeing and health. The roots, bark, and leaves have been traditionally used to combat dysentery, gastroenteritis, and even diarrhea. Leaves, deconcocted, have the ability to assist with toothache cessation when gargled. Guavas have a high amount of folic acid, making them a perfect food during pregnancy. The high fiber treats constipation, while the low glycemic index makes the fruit a diabetic friendly option. Some studies seem to indicate that the fruit can also help combat some cancers and heart disease, enhance eyesight, and increase the immune system, among other potential benefits. So grab a guava and eat it fresh or in your favorite recipe, reaping all the benefits along the way.

Strawberry guava is a large shrub or small tree that is native to South America and loves a warm climate. There are some good reasons to choose strawberry guava plants over the common guava, including more attractive fruit and foliage, and a better tasting tropical fruit. Read on to learn more about strawberry guava care.

What is Strawberry Guava?

Strawberry guava (Psidium littoralei) is also known as cattley guava, purple guava, or Chinese guava, although it is native to the Americas. Strawberry guava generally grows to heights between 6 and 14 feet (2-4.5 m.), although they can grow taller. As the name suggests, this tree usually produces red fruit, but yellow fruits are also possible. The fruit on the strawberry guava is similar to that of the common guava: a fragrant, juicy pulp with seeds. However, the flavor of this type of guava is said to have a strawberry essence and is considered to be less musky. It can be eaten fresh or used to make puree, juice, jam, or jelly.

How to Grow a Strawberry Guava Tree

Another advantage over the common guava is that strawberry guava care is generally easier. This tree is hardier and will tolerate more difficult conditions than common guava. Although it prefers a warmer climate, the strawberry guava will remain hardy down to temperatures as low as 22 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 C.). It does best in full sun. When growing a strawberry guava tree, soil considerations are not too important. It will tolerate poor soils that other fruit trees will not, including limestone soils. If you do have poor soil, your tree may need more watering to produce fruit. The strawberry guava tree that produces red fruit is also very drought tolerant, while the yellow fruit producing tree can take occasional flooding. These trees are generally considered pest and disease free. The fruit from strawberry guava plants is tasty but delicate. If you are growing this tree to enjoy the fruits, be sure to use right away when ripe. Alternatively, you can process the fruit to store as a puree or in another form. The fresh fruit will not last more than two or three days. NOTE: Strawberry guava is known to be problematic in some areas, such as Hawaii. Before planting anything in your garden, it is always important to check if a plant is invasive in your particular area. Your local extension office can help with this.

Guava is a beautiful, warm-climate tree that produces fragrant blooms followed by sweet, juicy fruit. They are easy to grow, and propagating guava trees is surprisingly straightforward. Read on to learn how to propagate a guava tree.

About Guava Reproduction

Guava trees are most often propagated by seed or cuttings. Either method is fairly easy so choose whichever works best for you.

Guava Tree Propagation with Seeds

Planting seeds is a relatively easy way to propagate a new guava tree, but keep in mind that the trees probably won’t be true to the parent tree. However, it’s still worth a try. When it comes to propagating guava trees with seeds, the best plan is to plant fresh seeds from a ripe, juicy fruit. (Some people prefer to plant the fresh seeds directly in the garden.) If you don’t have access to a guava tree, you can purchase a guava at a grocery store. Remove the seeds from the pulp and wash them thoroughly. If you need to save the seeds for planting later, dry them thoroughly, place them in an airtight glass container, and store them in a dark, cool place. At planting time, scrape the seeds with a file or the tip of a knife to break through the hard outer coating. If the seeds aren’t fresh, soak them for two weeks or boil them for five minutes before planting. Plant the seeds in a tray or pot filled with fresh potting mix. Cover the pot with plastic, then place it on a heat mat set at 75 to 85 degrees F. (24-29 C.). Water lightly as needed to keep the potting mix slightly moist. Guava seeds generally take two to eight weeks to germinate. Transplant the seedlings to pots when they have two to four sets of leaves, then move them outdoors the following spring.

How to Propagate a Guava by Cuttings

Cut 4 to 6 inch (10-15 cm.) softwood cuttings from a healthy guava tree. The cuttings should be flexible and shouldn’t snap when bent. Remove all but the top two leaves. Dip the bottom of the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in moist potting mix. A 1 gallon (4 L.) container will hold four cuttings. Cover the container with clear plastic. If necessary, use sticks or plastic straws to hold the plastic above the leaves. Alternatively, cut a plastic soda bottle or milk jug in half and place it over the pot. Place the container in a sunny location where temperatures are consistently around 75 to 85 degrees F. (24-29 C.) day and night. If necessary, use a heat mat to keep the potting mix warm. Watch for new growth to appear in two to three weeks, which indicates the cuttings have rooted. Remove the plastic at this point. Water gently as needed to keep the potting soil slightly moist. Transplant the rooted cuttings into a larger container. Place them in a warm room or a sheltered outdoor location until the tree is mature enough to survive on its own. Note: Young guava trees lack a tap root and may need to be staked or supported to keep them safely upright until they are well established.

Guava fruit isn’t just delicious, it may have beneficial medicinal effects. The fruit grows throughout Brazil and Mexico where, for centuries, the indigenous people have been picking guava tree leaves for tea. This traditional medicine has been used to treat everything from nausea to sore throats. Interested in growing guava for tea and learn how to harvest guava tree leaves? Read on for more information about harvesting guava leaves for tea.

About Guava Leaf Tea

As mentioned, indigenous people have been harvesting guava leaves for medicinal tea for many years. Today, guava has found its way into modern medicines, including weight loss products and anti-diarrhea formulas. Researchers are even studying its medicinal properties with regards to treating diabetes. Guava leaves are also a rich source of antioxidants, you know those things making the news that protect your cells by scavenging damaging free radicals. Brazilian scientists have tested an extract from guava leaves that conclusively fights Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and Salmonella. All very intriguing, but always consult your doctor or professional herbalist before trying any sort of medicinal plant.

How to Harvest Guava Tree Leaves

If you are growing a guava tree to harvest leaves for tea, be sure not to use any chemicals on the tree. Anything you put on the tree; you will end up ingesting. Guava leaves are said to have the highest amount of antioxidants from spring to summer. When picking guava leaves for tea, cut organically grown, unblemished guava leaves in the afternoon on a warm day after the sun has dried any dew. Use sharp pruning shears to harvest medium sized leaves when the tree is just beginning to form buds. Wash the leaves in cool water and shake off the excess water. Place the leaves in a single layer on a drying screen or tray and allow them to air dry, turning them every day. Drying in this manner will take three to four weeks depending upon the humidity. Alternatively, tie several leaf stems together with twine and put them in a paper sack with the stem ends protruding from the bag end. Close the bag around the leaves with twine or a rubber band. Hang the bag of leaves in a warm, dark, dry area. When the leaves are dry and brittle, store them in airtight containers at a low temperature with low humidity and away from sunlight. Use the dried guava tea leaves within one year.

Guava trees are extremely easy to grow, but they aren’t a good choice for climates with chilly winters. Most are suitable for USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and above, although some hardy varieties may survive zone 8. Can you grow guava trees inside? Fortunately for northern gardeners, guava growing indoors is very doable. If conditions are right, you may be rewarded some fragrant blooms and sweet fruit. Outdoors, guava trees can reach heights of 30 feet (9 m.), but indoor trees are generally much smaller. Most varieties flower and set fruit at about four or five years of age. Read on to learn about growing and caring for guava indoors.

Tips on Guava Growing Indoors

Guava is easy to propagate by seed, but many people have good luck starting trees with stem cuttings or air layering. If done properly, both techniques have a very high rate of success. Grow guava in a pot filled with any fresh, good quality potting mix. Be sure the pot has a good drainage hole in the bottom. Place the tree in full sunlight during the winter months. If possible, move the tree to a sunny outdoor location during spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to move the tree indoors before temperatures fall below 65 degrees F. (18 C.)

Indoor Guava Tree Care

Water guava regularly during the growing season. Water deeply, then don’t water again until the top 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) of soil feel dry to the touch. Feed the tree every couple of weeks, using a dilute general purpose, water-soluble fertilizer. Repot the tree into a slightly larger pot every spring. Prune guava trees in early summer to maintain the desired shape and size. If your guava tree is growing too large, remove it from the pot and trim the roots. Replant the tree in fresh potting soil.

Caring for Guava Trees Indoors During Winter

Cut back on watering during the winter months. Place your guava tree in a cool room during the winter, preferably where temperatures are consistently 55 to 60 degrees F. (13-16 C.). Avoid temps between 50 degrees F. (10 C.).

Have you ever eaten a guava and wondered about growing guava from seed? I mean the seed is there to be grown, right? Although seed grown guava trees don’t grow true, guava seed propagation is still a fun project. The following article contains information on how to grow guava trees from seed and when to plant guava seeds.

When to Plant Guava Seeds

In commercial orchards, guava trees are vegetatively propagated by air layering, stem cuttings, grafting, and budding. For the home grower, guava seed propagation is a great experiment just as much gardening is. Guava trees can be grown in USDA zones 9a to 10b outdoors or in USDA zone 8 and below in a pot on a sunny, covered porch through winter or in a greenhouse. Although seed grown guava doesn’t reproduce true to type, it is an economical way to grow guava and isn’t uncommon. Seeds should be planted immediately upon extracting form mature fruit.

How to Grow Guava Trees from Seed

The first step to growing guava from seed is to break the seed dormancy. This is done in one of two ways. Either place the seeds in a pot of boiling water for five minutes or soak the seeds in water for two weeks prior to planting. Both of these allow the seed coat to soften and, thus, hasten germination. Once the seeds have been soaked, fill a nursery pot with soilless seed starting mix. Press one seed into the center of the pot with your finger. Be sure to cover the seed with a bit of soilless mixture. Water the seeds with a misting spray and place the container in a warm place with temperatures around 65 degrees F. (18 C.) or above. The seeds should germinate in two to eight weeks depending upon the temperature. In cooler climates, place the pot on a seed heating pad to help maintain a consistently warm temperature and speed up germination. Keep an eye on the seed pot and water when needed, when the top of the soil feels dry.

Guava fruit trees are large but not difficult to grow in the right conditions. For warmer climates, this tree can provide shade, attractive foliage and flowers, and of course, delicious tropical fruits. If you have the right climate and garden space for it, you just need to understand what the different guava tree varieties are before you make your purchase.

About Growing Guava

Guava is a warm weather tree, suited to zones 9b through 11. Young trees that experience temperatures below about 30 degrees F. (-1 C.) may be damaged or could die. A guava tree will grow to about 20 feet (6 m.) tall, so it needs space to grow. Your guava will need warmth and full sun but will tolerate a variety of soil types and drought conditions. While a guava tree is a great shade tree for warm climate gardens, a great reason to grow one is to enjoy the fruit. Guava is a large berry that comes in a variety of colors and flavors. The fruit can be enjoyed raw but can also be juiced or made into jams and jellies. Here are some types of guava trees to consider for your garden: Red Malaysian. This cultivar is a great choice for adding interesting color to the garden. It produces red fruits, but also red tinted leaves, and very showy, bright pink flowers. Tropical White. Guava fruits are often classified by the color of the flesh, and this one is white. ‘Tropical White’ produces a tender, sweet fruit with yellow skin and a pleasant aroma. Mexican Cream. Also known as ‘Tropical Yellow,’ this is another white fleshed cultivar. The fruit is very creamy and sweet and excellent for use in desserts. The tree grows upright and does not provide much canopy spread as compared to other cultivars. Strawberry guava. This is a different species of tree, but it produces a guava fruit that is named for its flavor. With a pronounced taste of strawberry, this is an excellent eating fruit. Lemon guava. The same species as the strawberry guava, this tree also produces fruits with a distinct taste. The fruits are yellow with a yellow flesh and a flavor reminiscent of both guava and lemon. The tree grows smaller than other types of guavas. Detwiler. A true guava cultivar, this fruit is unique for being the only yellow fleshed guava. It is currently not easy to find, but if you can get it, you will enjoy large yellow fruits with a firm texture.

Guava is a small tree indigenous to the American tropics that has become naturalized in most tropical and subtropical climates of the world. It can be found in Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, Florida, and a few sheltered areas of California and Texas. Although the trees are frost tender, adult trees may survive short periods of frost, but they can be grown in a greenhouse or sunroom in other regions. If you are lucky enough to have a guava, you may be wondering “when will my guava bear fruit?”

When Will My Guava Bear Fruit?

Guava trees grow up to 26 feet (8 m.) in height. Cultivated trees are pruned back to 6 to 9 (2-3 m.) tall. If a tree has not been pruned, it usually flowers in fall. If the tree has been pruned, the tree will blossom 10 to 12 weeks after pruning with white, 1 inch (2.5 cm.) flowers. The blossoms yield small, round, oval or pear-shaped fruits, or more accurately, berries. So, whether or not your tree has been pruned decides when it blooms and when the guava tree begins fruiting. The period of time between flowering and ripening of the fruit is 20 to 28 weeks, depending on when the tree was pruned. Pruning isn’t the only factor which determines when guava trees fruit, however. Guava tree fruiting is dependent on the age of the tree as well. So how long until guava trees produce fruit?

How Long Until Guava Trees Produce Fruit?

When guava trees fruit depends on not only the age of the plant, but also how the plant was propagated. While a guava can be grown from seed, it will not be true to the parent and may take up to eight years to produce fruit. Trees are more commonly propagated via cuttings and layering. In this case, guava tree fruiting should occur when the tree is three or four years of age. Trees may produce anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds (23-36 kg.) of fruit per tree per year. The largest fruit will be produced off vigorous shoots of two or three years of age. In some areas, guava produces two crops per year, a larger crop in the summer followed by a smaller crop in the early spring. Simple pruning techniques will enable the gardener to induce fruiting in the guava year-round.

Guavas can be really special plants in the landscape if you select just the right spot. That doesn’t mean they’re not going to develop diseases, but if you learn what to look for, you can spot problems early and deal with them quickly. Read on to learn about common guava diseases.

Guava Disease Identification

For lucky gardeners who can grow tropical fruits in their home landscapes, there’s little that beats a good guava. Fragrant and tidy, it’s an easy-care plant, most of the time. When you do have sick guava trees, they can become dramatically ill, so guava disease identification with haste is vital. Learning how to treat guava diseases is par for the course if you’re a guava owner, as is being able to detect signs of guava sickness. That’s why we’ve made this short list of common guava diseases you might encounter in your garden! Wilt. Guava wilt is a dramatic and devastating disease of plants that usually becomes noticeable with the onset of the rainy season. The plant may develop light yellow leaves and sag noticeably, prematurely shed fruits, or defoliate entirely. There’s no cure for wilt infections in plants, but good nutrition, including heavy feedings of nitrogen after fruiting, and protecting roots from damage can help stave off the disease. Stylar end rot. Only affecting fruit, this problem often surfaces once fruits are developing. You’ll notice that the bloom end of the fruit discolors, and the area spreads out until the fruit becomes brown to black, as well as very soft. Although it may appear similar to blossom end rot in garden plants like tomatoes, stylar end rot is believed to be caused by a fungal pathogen. Once fruit is infected, it’s not salvageable, but you can protect the rest of your crop with a fungicidal spray. After fruiting, picking up fallen debris, thinning your guava, and increasing air circulation by moving close-by plants further away can help prevent reinfection. Anthracnose. Anthracnose is a common fungus that is a problem for a wide range of plant types, including guava. You may notice that young shoots die back dramatically with fruit and leaves still attached, or that fruit and leaves develop small black dots that quickly grow into dark brown, sunken lesions. This fungal disease, like many others, can survive on dead tissues and are then spread by rain splashing, so if your plant has had problems in the past, a fungicide regiment may be called for. If your bush is older or hasn’t produced in a while, look for anthracnose-resistant varieties for better success. Algal leaf spot. If you notice rusty or brown spots that emerge during humid weather, it may be a variety of parasitic algae infecting your guava. Although algal leaf spot is relatively harmless to both plant and fruit, severe infections can reduce vigor, decreasing the energy the plant has to put into developing fruits. Very severe infections could result in black sunken spots on the guava fruit itself. The best treatment is to do all you can to decrease the humidity around your plant, including pruning it and nearby plants to allow better airflow to all parts of the canopy. Algae thrives on high relative humidity, so the more the wind can blow through, the less likely the infection is to survive next season.

Guava trees are hardy, aggressive perennials native to tropical and subtropical America. They are one of 150 species of Psidium, of which most are fruit bearing. Hardy the guava may be, but they do have their share of guava pest problems, most of which can be dealt with using natural pest control methods for guava trees. In order to incorporate guava pest control, it’s important to be able to identify insects that attack guava trees and fruit. The following article discusses guava pests and how to deter insects on guava.

Insects that Attack Guava

The Caribbean fruit fly is one of the most damaging pests in Florida guava production. The larvae infest the fruit, rendering it unfit for human consumption. To avoid fruit fly damage, fruit must be picked prior to full maturity, which means harvesting at least three times per week. The larvae of the guava moth will tunnel into the fruit, making it inedible, and feed on the foliage of the plant as well. In the case of both of these guava pest problems, guava pest control involves wrapping the developing fruit with a paper bag when it is immature. Guava moths can also be controlled by spraying approved biological control agents. Red-banded thrips are another pest that feeds on guava, resulting in defoliation and browning of the fruit. Guava whiteflies feed on guava leaves and, along with the green shield scale and weevils (in particular Anthonomus irroratus), require chemical pest control for guava grown commercially in Florida. The larvae of the guava shoot borers get into twigs, killing new shoots. In India, there are at least 80 insect species that attack the guava tree, but for the most part these are kept in check by their natural enemies. In Puerto Rico, the coconut mealybug has been a damaging pest that has been combated with the introduction of its parasitic enemy, Pseudaphycus utilis. Brazilian guava trees have been seen with severe zinc deficiency due to the presence of nematodes and can be treated with zinc sulphate in two summer sprayings, 60 days apart. Aphids are sometimes found to inhabit guavas, leaving behind their sticky residue or honeydew. This honeydew attracts ants. Ants protect both aphids and scale insects from predators, and also move them around increasing the infestation. Ants can be combated by pruning any branches touching buildings or other plants that act as a bridge to the tree. Then wrap sticky tape around the trunk of the tree. Bait traps can also be set out around the base of the tree.

How to Deter Insects on Guava

As you can see, there are plenty of pests that are attracted to guava trees. The best way to combat insect attackers is to keep the tree healthy. Provide optimal growing conditions with irrigation when needed, adequate drainage and fertilization, and prune out any dead or diseased limbs. Keep the area around the tree free from plant detritus and weeds that can harbor insects. Keep a close eye on the tree for any signs of pest damage so that appropriate guava pest control can be applied at the first sign of infestation.

Guava (Psidium guajava) is a tropical fruit born off shallow rooted evergreens, small trees, or shrubs. Sensitive to cold temperatures, guavas thrive in both humid and dry climates. In the right climate, USDA zone 10, guavas can bear copious quantities of fruit but knowing when to harvest guava can be the tricky part. How do you know when guava fruit is ripe and how do you harvest guava fruit? Read on to learn more.

When is Guava Fruit Ripe?

Guava will begin to fruit in its second to fourth year. When conditions are right, a single tree can produce from 50 to 80 pounds (23-36 kg.) of fruit per year. In Florida, guava trees may even produce twice a year; and with proper pruning, you can even get a guava to produce year-round. That’s a lot of guavas, so knowing when to harvest guava is imperative lest you lose the delicious fruit. Large guavas can go from hard and sour to mush in short order. If picked before the fruit is ripe, it will not ripen well, but if allowed to mature on the tree, the crop can be decimated by fruit flies. Since guavas can fruit and ripen year-round in warm climates, where they are growing anyway, an exact time is not an adequate gauge for guava harvest season. There are other indicators, however, that will clue you into the correct time for harvesting guava.

How to Harvest Guava Fruit

Since there is no specific guava harvest season, how do you know when to pick the fruit? As with most fruit, a color change is a major indicator of maturity. Generally, red or pink guava is picked when the peel turns from light green to yellow. The fruit is then allowed to ripen further in an area of room temp. White guava is picked when full-sized and green to light green. It is eaten before it is ripe when the peel is yellow, and the fruit is soft. Another clue as to harvesting guava is the smell. The aroma should reach your nose, not your nose reaching the aroma. That is, the fruit should begin to become so aromatic that you should smell the sweet, musky fragrance as you approach the tree. Also, prior to harvesting guavas, feel the fruit. It should give slightly under gentle pressure. You can hasten the ripening of guava by placing it in a paper bag along with a banana or apple and letting the ethylene gas do its thing. A ripe guava can be stored in the refrigerator for five to seven days. Mature, green guava can be stored for two to four weeks in a cool moist area; that is, with a temperature of between 45 to 50 degrees F. (7-10 C.) and humidity from 80 to 95%. Use your guavas fresh or add them to desserts, juice them, or add them to smoothies. Guava is a terrific source of Vitamin C. Oh, and the last word on guavas. If you buy them from the grocers, they may be treated with an edible wax. If you want to hasten ripening, wash the fruit with cool tap water to remove the wax.

Guavas, tropical fruit trees native to Mexico into South America, are such a prized fruit that there are dozens of varieties. If you love this exotic fruit but lack garden space, have no fear. Growing guava in containers is easy. Read on to find out how to grow guava trees in pots and other guava tree container care.

Growing Guava Trees in Containers

There are three different types of guavas, all of which are suited for container grown guava.

• Tropical guavas (Psidium guajava): Tropical guavas are the juiciest of the three with the largest fruit. They are more frost tender than the other two and grow 10 to 15 feet (3-5 m.) in height.
• Strawberry guavas (Psidium lucidum): Strawberry guavas are shrub-like trees with smaller, tarter fruit. They tend to have high yields and attain a slightly smaller height of 12 feet (4 m.) high and wide than tropical guava. They thrive in Sunset zones 18 to 24 and are hardy to 25 degrees F. (-4 C.).
• Pineapple guavas (Feijoa Sellowiana): Pineapple guavas are the most frost tolerant with citrusy fruit. They are hardy down to 15 degrees F. (-9 C.) and grow well in Sunset zones 7, 11 through 24. The trunks of these 15 feet (5 m.) trees contort and twist wonderfully.

All of these can be grown in the ground or in containers. Growing guavas in containers has the added benefit of being able to move them to a sheltered area. While pineapple guavas are the most frost tolerant, they are still a semi-tropical plant that needs protection from heavy frost.

How to Grow Guavas in Pots

Guava does well in a variety of soils but prefer well-draining soil with a pH of between 5 and 7. Plant the tree with a combination of potting soil and organic compost. Select a container that is at least 18 to 24 inches (46-61 cm.) across and the same depth. Be sure the pot has adequate drainage holes. These tough plants are adaptable, making them the perfect fruit tree candidate for guava trees in containers. Select a site for your container grown guava in full sun.

Guava Tree Container Care

Guavas don't need frequent deep watering. During warm weather and growing season, water guavas two to three times per month, deeply. During the winter months, guavas are drought resistant, so water sparingly. Guavas have shallow roots that absorb water and nutrients rapidly. Fertilize them with an organic, granular fertilizer once every three months. Guavas don’t need much pruning, although they are amenable to shaping. Remove any dead or crossing branches and remove any foliage or branches that sprout below the graft union (where the fruiting plant is grafted onto the lower rootstock). Guavas fruit on new growth, so pruning will not adversely affect the fruit set. Take care to protect the tree if temps are likely to drop. Cover the tree with a sheet or tarp to protect it from frost. You can also use a circulating air fan or even spray the tree with water to help insulate it from frost. Stringing the guava with Christmas lights is another way to protect the tree during freezing temperatures. Other than that, these self-fruiting trees are very low maintenance, and you need only wait for the succulent, fragrant guava fruit harvest.

Guava fruit trees (Psidium guajava) are not a common sight in North America and need a decidedly tropical habitat. In the United States, they are found in Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, Florida, and a few sheltered areas in California and Texas. The trees are very frost tender and will succumb to a freeze when young, although adult trees may survive short periods of cold. 

That said, the plants are attractive and produce deliciously rich, sweet fruits that are excellent fresh or in desserts. Given enough guava tree information, it is possible to grow these small trees in a greenhouse or sunroom and reap the benefits of their Vitamin C-rich fruits.

Guava Plants and Guava Tree Information

The guava fruit grows on a small tree with a wide, short canopy and a sturdy single- to multi-stemmed trunk. The guava tree is an interesting plant with mottled greenish bark and long 3- to 7-inch (7.5 to 18 cm.) serrated leaves. Guava trees produce white, 1-inch (2.5 cm.) flowers that yield small round, oval, or pear-shaped fruits. These are more accurately berries with soft flesh, which may be white, pink, yellow, or even red, and which vary in taste from acidic, sour to sweet, and rich depending on the variety. 

Guava plants thrive in any soil with good drainage and full sun for best flowering and fruit production. Guava fruit trees are tropical to sub-tropical and may achieve 20 feet (6 m.) in height. Growing guavas requires cold protection, and is not suitable outdoors in most zones of the United States. They must have shelter from freezing winds, even in sunny warm climates where occasional icy temperatures occur.

Caring for a Guava Tree

If you are lucky enough to live in a region where guava plants grow outside, the tree should be planted in well-drained soil where its roots have room to spread. Fertilize growing guavas every one to two months while young and then three to four times per year as the tree matures. 

Guava trees need a high amount of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash, along with some magnesium for maximum fruit production. An example is a formula of 6-6-6-2, worked into soils just prior to the onset of the growing season and then evenly spaced out three times during the growth period. 

Water frequently after planting and then keep mature trees moderately moist during the blooming and fruiting seasons. Once established, caring for a guava fruit tree is similar to any fruiting tree care.

Growing Guava from Seed

Growing guava from seed may not produce a fruiting tree for up to eight years, and the plants are not true to the parent. Therefore, cuttings and layering are more often used as propagation methods for guava fruit trees. Growing guava seeds, however, is a fun project and produces an interesting plant. 

You need to harvest seed from a fresh guava fruit and soak off the flesh. The seeds can remain usable for months, but germination can take up to eight weeks. Boil the seeds for five minutes prior to planting to soften the tough outside and encourage germination.