The guava is a small, tropical tree with expansive branches that grows outdoors in warm regions of the United States, such as California, Florida and Hawaii. This evergreen tree blooms with small, white flowers that develop into soft-skinned, fragrant, sweet-tasting fruit. The guava produces fruit throughout the year, with peak blooming time occurring in spring.
Identification
Guava (Psidium guajava) is believed to be native to the American tropics, including southern Mexico and Central America. The tree has naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In North America, the guava is grown commercially in Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Florida.
The guava tree reaches 20 to 33 feet high. The plant has dull-green, stiff, leathery leaves that are fragrant when crushed and a distinctive copper-colored bark that naturally flakes off, exposing green bark underneath.
Types
Numerous varieties of guava exist. In general, the fruit is divided into pink and white fruit types. In pink flesh varieties, you'll find Ruby, Blitch, Patillo, Hong Kong Pink and Miami Red. In white flesh varieties, you'll see Supreme, Detwiler, Sweet White Indonesian, White Indian, White Seedless and Webber.
Growing Requirements
Guava trees thrive in warm, tropical climates and require temperatures ranging from 73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant growth stops when temperatures dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Guava trees require a full-sun location. Though the trees can grow in a wide variety of soil types, guavas grow best in well-draining soils high in organic matter with a pH range of five to seven. The trees don't tolerate wet, salty soils.
Although guava trees can survive with little or no watering, they grow and fruit the best when deeply watered on a weekly basis during the warm months. Guavas are heavy feeders, requiring monthly application of a well-balanced fertilizer from mid-January to mid-November. Copper and zinc foliar sprays are also recommended once a year.
To prevent frost damage, guava trees are best planted in a sheltered location such as under a roof overhang or next to the western or southern side of the house, which tend to be the warmest areas in the landscape. Move potted plants indoors when frost threatens.
Potential Problems
Guava trees are susceptible to foliar diseases, such as anthracnose, particularly in humid climates. Regular application of fungicides tends to keep this condition in check. Other potential problems for guava include the root-rot nematode, which feeds on plant roots and weakens trees. The guava whitefly, guava moth and Caribbean fruit fly are major problems in southern Florida. In California, problematic pests include mealybugs, scale insects, thrips and common whiteflies.
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