Holly's Homestead — Subtropical Fruit Tree
Guava
Psidium guajava · Myrtle family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Evergreen perennial shrub/small tree
MATURITY 2–4 years to first fruit
TYPE Evergreen perennial shrub/small tree
MATURITY 2–4 years to first fruit
Sun
Full sun
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Soil pH
5.5–7.0
Spacing
3–5m
Depth
as per pot
01Vigorous and forgiving
Guava is one of the easier subtropical fruit trees for a homestead — fast-growing, fairly drought-tolerant once established, and productive with minimal input.
02Planting
Method
Plant with the root flare at soil level.
Soil
Tolerant of a wide range of soils.
Timing
Plant in spring, warm zones ideally frost-free.
03Growing care
- Water regularly while young, then ease off once established.
- Prune to control size — guava can grow quite large if left unchecked.
- Feed lightly a couple of times a year.
- Protect from hard frost while young.
04Problems
- Fruit fly — net or bag developing fruit.
- Guava moth — larvae in fruit, a significant pest in some regions; bag fruit if it's an issue locally.
- Frost damage — mainly affects young plants.
- Vigorous, invasive suckering — remove unwanted suckers to keep the tree in bounds.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure and becomes fragrant.
Method
Cut or twist from the stem.
Curing
Ripen at room temperature for a few days if picked slightly firm.
Storage
Fridge, about a week once ripe.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
Native groundcoversAvoid nearby
Where suckering would be unwelcomeRotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial shrub/tree.