Guava Plant Care

Guava (Psidium guajava) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Psidium genus. Guava is native to Tropical regions of the Americas, parts of Central America, South America, Caribbean. Guava is also known as Common Guava, Apple Guava, Yellow Guava.

Guava displays a small tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Guava produces small, white or pale yellow, solitary bloom with numerous stamens.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Guava every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Guava thrives in full sun.

Psidium guajava tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Guava prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil. Good drainage is essential for Guava to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Guava every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Guava is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 13.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Guava can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Guava while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Guava is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Guava can be propagated through softwood cuttings or seeds.

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Guava is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, fruit flies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Guava grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 13. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Guava is native to Tropical regions of the Americas, parts of Central America, South America, Caribbean. In cooler regions, grow Guava as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.