One of the perks of South Florida’s beautiful, sunny climate is our ability to grow gorgeous guava tree plants! This tropical fruit’s popularity here is unmatched, and there’s nothing quite like picking a ripe guava from your own backyard. So, if you’re ready to become a guava guru this summer, let’s dig into our expert tips on planting, care, propagation, watering, and harvesting these fabulous Florida fruits!
Best Guava Varieties
Florida’s climate is well-suited for several guava varieties, with the most popular being the tropical pink, tropical white, and red Malaysian guavas. Each variety offers unique flavors and benefits, making them perfect additions to both your garden and your summer menu.
So, what do we love about them?
Pink Guava: The tropical pink guava is incredibly popular among Fort Lauderdale gardeners thanks to its sweet flavor and resilience. It’s prized for its juicy, sweet flesh and high vitamin C content.
Tropical White Guava: The tropical white guava is another great option! It’s savored for its creamy texture and aromatic scent, making it a popular pick for desserts.
Red Malaysian: The red Malaysian guava is perfect if you’re looking for something visually striking with a rich, sweet taste. It not only provides delicious fruit but also adds ornamental value with its striking red foliage.
Planting Your Guava Tree
Site Selection: Choosing the right location for your SoFlo guava tree is a big part of its success. Guavas thrive in full sunlight, so pick a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. You’ll also want to ensure the area has well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, and be sure to leave enough space for the tree to grow—about 10 to 15 feet away from other plants or structures.
Soil Preparation: Guavas prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.0, so enrich your soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to provide your plant with essential nutrients. Good soil preparation will set the stage for a healthy, productive guava tree!
Planting Process:
- Dig a hole about twice the size of your guava tree plant’s root ball.
- Place your tree in the hole, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the base of your tree.
- Water the tree thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
- Mulch around the base of your tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk.
Guava Tree Care Tips
Watering: Proper watering is essential for healthy guava trees. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Water your tree once or twice a week during the hot summer and reduce the frequency in the cooler winter months, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize more frequently, every 1-2 months for the first season after planting. Once established, apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer three to four times a year in a ring around your guava tree, avoiding direct contact with the trunk. In the spring you can supplement further with compost further with compost or organic matter to boost soil fertility and promote vigorous growth.
Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain your guava tree’s shape, encourages new growth, and improves fruit production. We recommend pruning your guava tree in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and thin out crowded areas. Aim to create an open canopy that allows sunlight to penetrate and air to circulate.
Propagation Techniques
Cuttings and Grafting
For faster results, you can propagate guava trees from cuttings or by grafting. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Cuttings: Take a 6- to 8-inch cutting from a healthy guava branch, usually best taken from fresh growth that has just begun to mature in mid-summer to fall. Remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, and keep it in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
- Grafting: Grafting is more advanced but highly effective. Select a healthy scion (top branch) and rootstock, making a clean cut on both. Join the cut ends, securing them with grafting tape. Keep the grafted plant protected until the graft heals and new growth appears.
Protecting Your Guava Tree
Pest and Disease Management: Guava trees are relatively hardy but can fall prey to pests, such as aphids, scale insects, and fruit flies. Use organic insecticides or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs into your garden to manage these pests naturally. Also, be sure to watch for fungal diseases like anthracnose and treat them with appropriate fungicides.
Harvesting Your Guavas
Timing: Knowing when to harvest guavas is crucial for optimal flavor. Guavas are ready to pick when they change color and emit a sweet aroma. The skin should give slightly when pressed but not be too soft.
Techniques: To harvest, gently twist or cut the fruit from your tree to avoid damaging its branches. Handle the fruit carefully to prevent bruising, which can affect its shelf life.
Storage Tips: Store harvested guavas at room temperature to allow them to ripen fully. Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze your harvested guava’s pulp or make guava preserves.
Learning how to grow guava trees in Florida is a rewarding experience, offering delicious fruit and the satisfaction of cultivating your own tropical delicacies. By choosing the right variety, planting correctly, and providing proper care, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a guava guru. Whether you’re enjoying fresh guavas or experimenting with recipes, the journey from planting to harvest will be a delightful adventure that we at Living Color Garden Center can’t wait to get you started on! Come see us today to get your guava growing in gear!