Guava, Thai White (Psidium Guajava)

Growing a Thai Guava fruit tree in North America requires a  tropical habitat, it loves sunny and warm locations and thrives in both humid and dry climates. It’s rare to see these trees grown outside of California, Hawaii, and Texas due to tropical environment requirements, but it is possible to grow guavas in containers. It is important to know that these fruit trees are very frost tender, especially when young. They must have shelter from freezing winds, even in sunny warm climates where occasional icy temperatures occur.They are evergreen, shallow-rooted shrubs or small trees and produce sweetly scented flowers, small round, oval or pear shaped delicious fruits, and have a beautiful tropical appearance. The bark is smooth, green or reddish brown and peels off in thin flakes to reveal the attractive “bony” aspect of its trunk.

The guava plant thrives in any soil with good drainage and lots of nutrients. These trees love fertilizer, so regular application is recommended. Keep the soil slightly moist while the plant is young. At the time of fruiting (3-4 months after flowering the fruits will be mature), keep the soil evenly moist as this will help develop more juicy and sweet fruits. This fruit tree is very tough but you should keep an eye out for common garden pests.

Harvest – In warmer regions guavas will ripen all year. Guava fruits usually mature in 3 to 4 months after flowering. There is a distinctive change in the color and aroma of the guava that has ripened. For the best flavor, allow fruit to ripen on the tree.