Guava / Perakka (Taiwan Pink, Layer) Fruit Plant

Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum) is a tropical fruit tree producing pear-shaped fruits with green rind and pinkish or white flesh containing small seeds. The fruit is typically 4 to 12 cm long and may be round or oval depending on the species. The outer skin can be rough with a slightly bitter taste or soft and sweet. It usually remains green when immature and turns yellow, maroon, or green when ripe. The fruit has a strong characteristic fragrance, and the pulp ranges from sweet to sour, from off-white to deep pink, with variable seed number and hardness depending on the variety.

Strawberry guava is an attractive, drought-tolerant tree that produces abundant fruit throughout the year. When ripe, the fruit turns maroon to dark red. The fruit size ranges from small (dime-sized) to about half the size of a golf ball. The flesh is yellowish-white with red-pink streaks and contains several hard yellow seeds. The skin is thin and easily bruised when fully ripe.

The plant is a medium-sized tree or large bush with a moderate growth rate. It has multiple almond-shaped leaves and dense evergreen foliage, making it ideal as a natural screen as well as an ornamental tree. Flowers are small, white, and relatively inconspicuous.

Strawberry guava grows best in full sun to partial shade but cannot tolerate excessive heat. It is highly sensitive to frost, and young plants may die in cold conditions, while mature trees may shed leaves in winter and regrow in spring. It requires well-drained soil and is sensitive to waterlogging. Regular deep watering is needed, allowing the soil to dry slightly between irrigations, and water should be applied at the base to avoid fungal issues.

Fertilization is required for healthy growth and fruit production. Young plants benefit from light feeding every 1–2 months, while mature trees require fertilization 3–4 times per year. A balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium supports optimal yield. Iron deficiency may occur in alkaline soils and can be corrected with iron sulphate. Watering after fertilization helps prevent root burn.

Pruning helps develop a dense canopy by encouraging lateral branching and removing weak growth. Proper pest and disease management is essential, along with regular maintenance practices such as weeding, spraying, and seasonal care.

Fruit matures within 2–4 months after flowering. It changes from hard green to softer colored fruit when ripe and can also ripen after harvest when stored at room temperature. Early picking is possible depending on taste preference.

For planting, guava should be placed in full sun for best growth and spaced properly for airflow and development. It thrives in a wide range of soils from alluvial to lateritic but performs best in deep, well-drained soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 8.2. It is sensitive to saline and waterlogged conditions, so proper drainage and spacing are essential for long-term success.