Guava Tree

Growing a guava tree can be especially rewarding given that guavas are not sold in your average grocery store.

It is a tropical fruit, so it is not a maintenance-free plant here in the desert. But those that love the guavas will swear that it’s worth the extra work that comes with growing this marvelous fruit.

Botanical name: Psidium guajava

Other names: Guava plant, guayaba

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Guava plants are large shrubs that are typically shaped into small trees that reach 20 feet in height.

Oval-shaped leaves that taper at the end. They are dark green with a soft, muted color and deep veins.

Tan or brown bark. Usually has several stems, but are typically sold at nurseries with a single trunk to maximize strength.

Small, white flowers grow on young branches.

Followed by round fruit, about 3-4 inches in diameter containing seeds. The peel becomes soft when the fruit is ripe. Depending on the variety, the peels are typically green or yellow and the inside is typically pink, white, or yellow.

Guavas have sweet, pleasant aromas and are rich in vitamin C and potassium. They’re also used by many to help with stomach ailments.

Can be eaten fresh. Commonly used to create juices, smoothies, and jams.

Guava trees are self-pollinating: only one tree is needed for fruiting. However, having more than one will maximize fruit production due to cross-pollination.

Keep it in a container and overwinter indoors if your region experiences below-freezing temperatures.

Moderately drought tolerant once mature. Provide regular water via olla irrigation or large, self-watering planters, especially in the desert heat. Provide protection against harsh afternoon sun.

Heavy feeder. Provide fertilizer during growing season.

May produce more than once a year.

Perform heaviest pruning during late winter, right before growing season starts.

Guava trees are from warm areas in Mexico and Central America that receive regular rainfall.

Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to acidic. Use a fertilizer formulated for fruit trees.

Temperature: Frost-sensitive. Will typically recover if exposed to temperatures down to the mid-20s for a short period of time, but best if grown in areas that do not reach temperatures below frost. If you live in a climate that experiences cold winters, we recommend overwintering them indoors.

Water: Moderate water needs. More drought tolerant once mature. Regular deep watering, especially when blooming and fruiting and during heat waves.

Sun: Full sun or partial shade. Protection from the afternoon sun in hot and dry areas like the Palm Springs region is highly recommended.

Pests: Guava trees may attract pests such as whiteflies and scale.

Blast the whiteflies off with water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Repeated application is necessary to disrupt their life cycles.

To remove scales, pick them off or use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Horticultural oil will kill both crawlers and adults with direct contact. Insecticidal soap is better used to target only the crawlers.

Whenever using any pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.

Signs of overwatering: Root rot, drooping leaves

Signs of too little water: Browning and drying leaves

Signs of too much sun: Leaf burn, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, stunted growth, few flowers

The easiest way to propagate a guava tree is through cuttings. Obtain 1-foot-long semi-hardwood cuttings with a sharp tool and plant them in the soil. Keep soil moist until it's well established.

HOW MUCH DOES a Guava Tree COST?

At our nursery, guava trees cost $45 for a 5-gallon container, $150 for a 15-gallon container, $325 for a 24” box and $750 for a 36” box.

Prices are subject to change. Please get in touch with us for the most up-to-date pricing information. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

How long does it take for a guava tree to bear fruit?

Guava trees typically need to be 3-4 years old in order to start fruiting.

How do I know when my Guava tree is ready to eat?

The peel becomes soft when the fruit is ripe.