If you love guava fruit, you may be tempted to grow a guava tree.
And they don’t fare well in cold zones, frost, or wind.
Or they can be grown indoors as houseplants.
Credit:Ed Gohlich
This guide explains what you gotta know about growing your own guava tree indoors or out.
Native to Central America, guava trees are considered invasive in Hawaii and parts of Florida.
It easily escapes cultivation in warm regions around the world and naturalizes in wild areas.
Credit:Edward Gohlich
Where to Plant Guava
Guava trees need a lot of sunlight and humidity to grow.
It should also be protected from the wind.
Space guava trees 16-26 feet apart.
Credit:Edward Gohlich
Choose a sunny window where this tree will get at least six hours per day.
Asunroom or greenhouseis an ideal indoor location for these trees to thrive.
How and When to Plant Guava
Guava trees are typically planted in summer in June and July.
When grown indoors you’re able to plant it anytime as long as its basic needs are covered.
In the winter, you could reduce how much you water with cooler temperatures.
Temperature and Humidity
Guavas do best in temperatures ranging from 65-90F.
Fertilizer
Fertilize the treeevery couple of months.
Once a tree is established, fertilizing once every quarter is typically sufficient.
During the colder season, there’s no need for fertilizer as the tree will be dormant.
Guavas need an extra boost of iron and magnesium.
Consider a slow-release fertilizer such as 5-5-5 or 6-6-6.
Pruning
Pruning is necessaryto keep your guava tree healthy.
Pay attention to any new buds and cut above them as to not snip away new growth.
Harvesting Guavas
Guava trees usually begin to produce fruit within a few years after planting.
Fruits are oval-shaped, and vary in size from an apricot to a softball.
The green skin turns yellowish as the fruit ripens.
How to Propagate Guava Trees
Guava trees are easily propagated by seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guava fruits have a sweet flavor.
Some people describe it as a mix of passion fruit, citrus, and pear, withhints of strawberry.
If you plant a guava tree directly into the soil, you’ll need to dig a deep hole.
This should be three times the depth and width of the pot.
Guava trees can be grown in pots as long as they are spacious and deep enough.
Avoid eating any bruised or blemished guava, which should be discarded.
Guava trees can last a long time.
They live 30-40 years when they’re given the proper care and are grown in the proper environment.
Global Invasive Species Database.
