Guava / Perakka (1 K.G White Inside, Layer) Fruit Plant

Guava (Psidium cattleianum) is a tropical fruit tree with pear-shaped to round fruits, featuring green skin and pinkish or white flesh with small edible seeds. The fruits, usually 4–12 cm long, are round or oval depending on the variety. The outer skin may be rough with a slightly bitter taste or soft and sweet. Depending on the species, the skin is usually green before maturity and turns yellow, maroon, or green when ripe. Guava fruits have a pleasant, distinctive fragrance, while the pulp may range from sweet to slightly sour, varying from off-white to deep pink with seeds of different sizes and hardness.

The Strawberry Guava is an attractive, easy-to-grow, and drought-tolerant fruit tree that produces abundant fruits throughout the year. When fully ripe, the fruits turn maroon to dark red and range in size from a dime to about half the size of a golf ball. The flesh is yellowish-white with attractive red-pink splashes and contains several hard yellow seeds. The skin is thin and easily bruised when fully ripe.

Overall, the Strawberry Guava is a medium-sized tree or large bush with a moderate growth rate. It has dense evergreen foliage with small to medium-sized almond-shaped leaves, making it an excellent ornamental as well as a productive fruit tree. The flowers are small, white, and relatively inconspicuous.

MAINTENANCE OF THE PLANTATION

Once a plantation has been established, regular maintenance is essential for healthy growth and maximum fruit production. Protect the plants from extreme weather, insects, fungal diseases, and animals. Guava plants grow best in full sun to partial shade, although they have very little tolerance for frost. Mature trees may shed their leaves during winter, while young plants can be damaged by severe cold. Fresh new leaves usually emerge at the beginning of spring.

FERTILIZING

Apply fertilizers in small quantities (generally below 100 g) after 2–3 months of planting with sufficient irrigation. Fertilize young guava plants every 1–2 months, while mature trees should be fertilized 3–4 times per year.

Guava trees require fertilizers rich in Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Magnesium (Mg) for healthy growth and maximum fruit production. A 6-6-6-2 fertilizer formula can be applied before the growing season and repeated during active growth. Water thoroughly after fertilizing to reduce the risk of root burn.

WATERING AND WEED CONTROL

Guavas prefer regular deep watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Water regularly during the growing season and reduce watering during winter. Apply water at the base of the tree while avoiding wetting the foliage to help prevent fungal diseases.

Older branches generally produce larger fruits, so regular watering promotes healthy branch development. Guava trees are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. In alkaline or high pH soils, iron deficiency may occur; apply iron sulphate 1–2 times per year if required. Always water thoroughly after fertilizing.

PRUNING AND SHAPE OF GUAVA TREE

Prune young plants at 1–2 feet to encourage lateral branching. Allow 3–4 healthy branches to grow to 2–3 feet, then trim the tips to encourage additional branching. Remove weak or damaged branches regularly to develop a dense canopy and improve fruit production.

PEST & DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Like all fruit trees, guava may occasionally be affected by insects and diseases depending on climate and growing conditions. Proper watering, fertilizing, pruning, weeding, mulching, and orchard sanitation help minimize most pest and disease problems and keep the tree healthy.

HARVESTING YOUR GUAVA TREE

Guava fruits generally mature 2–4 months after flowering. The fruits remain hard and green while developing, then gradually soften and change colour as they ripen. Fruits harvested while green will continue to ripen naturally at room temperature. Harvest when the fruits are fully coloured, fragrant, and slightly soft for the best flavour. They can also be picked slightly early if you prefer a more tangy taste.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Plant your guava tree where it receives full sunlight for the best growth and fruit production.

2. Guava grows well in almost all well-drained soils, including alluvial and laterite soils, but does not tolerate waterlogging. The ideal soil pH ranges from 4.5 to 8.2.

3. For commercial plantations, the recommended spacing is 6 m × 6 m, accommodating approximately 112 plants per acre. Higher-density planting can increase productivity, although fruit size may be slightly reduced.

4. In home gardens, maintain a minimum spacing of 7 metres between guava and other fruit trees.

5. 100% sunlight is ideal, although the plant can tolerate up to 50% partial shade.

6. During dry weather, water every 2 days immediately after planting. After one month, water every 7–10 days during the first year.

7. Avoid applying chemical fertilizers immediately after planting. If required, apply small quantities (below 100 g) only after 2–3 months, along with sufficient irrigation.

8. Do not overwater or allow standing water around the root zone, as this can damage the roots and lead to poor plant health.

Ideal for: Home Gardens, Terrace Gardens, Orchards, Tropical Landscapes, and Commercial Fruit Cultivation.