Guava (Psidium guajava) is one of the easiest tropical fruit trees to grow at home. From seed, trees can take 2–4 years to fruit with the right care. Here’s everything you need to know.


—

🍈 1. Choosing & Preparing Seeds

Select ripe guavas

Pick fully ripe, fragrant fruits—the softer and more aromatic, the better.

Yellow-skinned varieties tend to sprout faster, but any variety works.


Extract & clean seeds

1. Scoop out the seeds.


2. Soak them in water for 24–48 hours.


3. Rub gently to remove pulp.


4. Discard floating seeds—they’re usually not viable.



Optional: Speed up germination

Guava seeds have a hard shell. This helps:

Soak in warm water for 12–24 hours
OR

Lightly nick the seed coat with a file
OR

Pour hot (not boiling) water over seeds and let cool overnight



—

🌱 2. Germinating Guava Seeds

Best soil mix

Guavas aren’t picky, but a light mix helps germination:

50% seed-starting mix

25% sand

25% compost or coco coir


Planting

Plant seeds ¼–½ inch (0.6–1 cm) deep.

Use pots or seed trays with good drainage.


Conditions

Temperature: 75–90°F (24–32°C)

Light: bright indirect light

Moisture: keep soil evenly moist, not soaked


Germination time

3–8 weeks, but some seeds can take up to 12 weeks—be patient!



—

🌿 3. Seedling Care (0–6 Months)

Light

After sprouting, move seedlings to bright sun—guava loves sun from day one.


Water

Water when the top inch of soil dries.

Avoid constant sogginess to prevent damping off.


Feeding

Start a mild fertilizer (like fish emulsion or ¼-strength balanced fertilizer) at 4–6 weeks old.

Feed every 2–3 weeks.


Transplanting

When plants reach 4–6 inches tall and have several true leaves:

Move into a 1–3 gallon pot or directly into the ground if warm enough.




—

🌳 4. Growing the Young Tree (6–24 Months)

Sun requirement

Guava needs 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil

Tolerates poor soil, but best in:

Well-draining loam

Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5–7)



Watering

Deep water 1–2 times a week until established.

Once established, guava becomes drought tolerant.


Fertilizing

Feed every 6–8 weeks during warm seasons:

Balanced NPK 10-10-10
OR

Organic: compost, worm castings, and potassium-rich banana peel tea


Pruning

Encourage a bushy structure by pinching the central stem at 1–2 ft tall.

Remove weak inward branches to improve airflow.



—

🍃 5. Maturity and Pre-Fruit Care (2–4 Years)

Signs the tree is getting ready to fruit

Strong woody branches

Multiple flushes of leaves per year

Growth slowdown during cooler months


Boosting flowering

Apply a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium

Reduce nitrogen-heavy feedings

A dry spell of 2–3 weeks can trigger flowering in tropical climates


Pollination

Guavas are self-pollinating, but fruiting improves with:

Bees and pollinators

Gently shaking branches during flowering



—

🍈 6. From Flower to Fruit

Flowering

Small white, fragrant flowers appear on new growth.

Flowers open in the morning and often pollinate the same day.


Fruit development

Fruit takes 90–150 days to mature depending on variety and climate.


Watering during fruiting

Maintain consistent moisture.

Avoid heavy overwatering—can cause fruit drop or splitting.



—

🍏 7. Harvesting Your Guavas

How to tell they’re ready

Skin turns from deep green to light green/yellow

Fruit becomes aromatic

Slight softness when gently squeezed


Pick fruit when slightly soft for sweetest flavor.


—

🌦 8. Climate Tips

If you live in a warm region (USDA 9–12):

Plant outdoors year-round.

Protect from frost when young.


If you live in cooler climates (USDA 8 and below):

Grow in a large container (15–30 gallons).

Move indoors during winter near a sunny window or under grow lights.



—

🐛 9. Common Problems & Solutions

Problem Cause Solution

Yellow leaves Overwatering or nutrient deficiency Improve drainage; apply balanced fertilizer
Fruit drop Heat stress or inconsistent watering Mulch and water deeply
Scale / aphids Common on guava Neem oil or insecticidal soap
Slow growth Cool weather or heavy soil Add warmth & better drainage



—

🌱 Timeline Overview

0–2 months: Germination

2–6 months: Seedlings establish

6–24 months: Vigorous young tree growth

2–4+ years: First flowers and fruits