Psidium guajava Guavas

Planting position: Full sun. Regions without severe frost or with frost- (while young) and wind-protection. Spacing of 5m.
Requires regular watering, never allowing soil to dry out completely. Well-draining, compost-enriched loamy soil and generous layers of mulching. Spring pruning for a vase-shaped framework (also see Introduction). Cut fruiting stems back to 6 buds from base.
Propagate from grafting, but rather purchase container-grown trees from a reputable nursery.
Fertilising programme: 1st year - spring application of 250g 3:1:5 (after pruning) and autumn application of 250g 3:1:5; 2nd year - 500g spring application of 3:1:5 and the same for an autumn application; 3rd year - 1kg spring application of 3:1:5 and the same for an autumn application; 4th year - 1,5kg spring application of 3:1:5 and the same for an autumn application; 5th year - 2kg spring application of 3:1:5 and the same for an autumn application. Start well away from the stem when spreading the fertiliser over root area.
Harvesting is done after a long ripening period, when the fruit has a ripe red or yellow colouring and is soft to the touch. Guavas ripen from autumn to spring.
Pests, diseases and their cures: Fruit fly - spray half-mature fruit with fenthion.

This tropical tree is grown for its vitamin C- rich fruits, which are delicious in juice form, for eating raw, as jams or jellies, bottled or stewed.