Growing Guavas Background

Growing Guava

Planting

Guavas can be grown in containers or in the ground.

Guavas can be grown in containers or in the ground. They prefer well drained soils, but can thrive in a wide range of different soils types. They do best in soils with a pH of between 5 and 7. Soils that are high in salts can be problematic for guavas and should be avoided.

Watering

Guavas prefer regular deep root watering.

Guavas prefer regular deep root watering. Guavas can survive saturated soil conditions, but it is best to allow the soil to dry out somewhat between irrigations.

Pruning

Guavas can tolerate heavy pruning and can also be trimmed to grow as hedges

Guavas are amenable to pruning and shaping. They can tolerate heavy pruning and can also be trimmed to grow as hedges if desired. Remove all suckers and water shoots annually for best results. Guavas fruit on new growth, so pruning will not negatively affect fruit set. 


In colder locations, prune as a shrub, rather than tree shape and mulch heavily to protect the stems from freezing. 

Fertilizing

Apply fruit tree fertilizers monthly, and especially just before heavy pruning.

Guavas are fast growing heavy feeders and can greatly benefit from regular feeding. Apply fruit tree fertilizers monthly, and especially just before heavy pruning.

sensitivity

Guavas need to be protected from freezing temperatures.

Guavas need to be protected from freezing temperatures. Put Christmas lights on them or cover with a sheet, blanket or frost bag at night when you know the threat of frost is present.

Pest control

Guavas can sometimes be bothered by typical fruit tree pests,

Guavas can sometimes be bothered by typical fruit tree pests including mealybug, scale, or whitefly. Control of these pests can be achieved with a few applications of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap and regular pruning that keeps the guava plants open with good air flow. It may also be necessary to control ants that are crawling on the guavas. Boric Acid Ant Baits can be effective control.