18/07/2025
1. Choosing the Right Pot:
Size Matters: Guavas need ample space for their root system to develop. For a young plant, start with a pot at least 30cm (12 inches) in diameter. As the plant grows, you'll need to repot it into larger containers, eventually aiming for a pot that is 60cm (24 inches) wide or more.
Drainage Holes: Ensure the clay pot has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. This is crucial for preventing waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
2. Selecting the Right Guava Variety:
Some guava varieties are better suited for container growing due to their more compact size. Consider these options:
'Ruby Supreme': Often recommended for containers, producing sweet, pink-fleshed fruit.
Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum): A smaller, more compact variety with red or yellow fruits that have a distinct strawberry-like flavor. These are generally hardier and more tolerant of cooler temperatures.
Mexican Cream (Psidium guajava): A medium-sized yellow guava with creamy white flesh.
Hawaiian Guava (Psidium guajava): Can be grown in pots and responds well to pruning to keep it compact.
3. Potting Mix:
Guavas prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.0-7.0). A good potting mix for guavas in clay pots should:
Be well-draining: Incorporate perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage.
Be fertile: Use a high-quality premium potting mix. You can amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Some sources suggest a mix of garden soil, perlite, and compost.
Avoid heavy clay soils alone: While guavas can tolerate some clay in the ground, in a pot, pure heavy clay can lead to drainage and oxygenation issues for the roots.
Avoid excessive organic matter at the bottom: While compost is good, too much decomposing organic matter within the root zone can consume oxygen and cause root rot. It's better to use finished compost and apply it as a top dressing or in a ring around the plant.
4. Planting Your Guava:
Gently remove the guava plant from its nursery container.
Loosen any circled or tangled roots.
Place the root ball in the center of the pot, ensuring the top of the root ball is at the same level as the potting mix.
Fill around the roots with the chosen potting mix, gently firming it down.
Water thoroughly to settle the potting mix around the roots.
5. Sunlight Requirements:
Guava trees are sun-lovers. Place your potted guava in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight daily. In very hot climates, protect the plant from harsh midday sun to prevent leaf burn, perhaps with a shade cloth.
6. Watering:
Regular Watering: Guavas have average water needs, but in a pot, they will dry out faster than in the ground. Water deeply when the top inch or two (2-5 cm) of soil feels dry.
Drainage is Key: Always ensure excess water drains out of the pot. Never let the pot sit in standing water.
Mulching: Applying an organic mulch (like bark chips or straw) on top of the soil helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
7. Fertilization:
Guavas are considered "heavy feeders," meaning they require a good supply of nutrients.
Frequency: During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your guava plant monthly or every 1-2 months.
Type of Fertilizer:
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 10-10-10 or a fruit tree fertilizer.
Some suggest a fertilizer with a slightly higher nitrogen content (e.g., 8-5-5) for general growth, and then a fertilizer higher in phosphorus when flowering and fruiting.
Organic options like compost tea or well-rotted manure can also be beneficial, providing slow-release nutrients and improving soil structure.
Application: For granular fertilizers, scatter them evenly around the drip line (the outer edge of the canopy) and lightly rake them into the soil, then water well. For liquid fertilizers, follow the package instructions.
Micronutrients: Guavas also benefit from micronutrients like iron, zinc, and boron. Foliar sprays with these can be applied a few times a year.
Avoid over-fertilizing: This can burn the roots and harm the plant.
8. Pruning and Training:
Regular pruning is essential for potted guavas to:
Maintain size and shape: Keep the plant compact and suitable for its container.
Encourage branching: More branches mean more potential fruit.
Improve air circulation and sunlight pe*******on: This helps prevent fungal diseases.
Remove dead or diseased branches: Promote overall plant health.
Prune every 2 months during the growing season for best results.
9. Pest and Disease Management:
Common Pests: Watch out for aphids, scale insects, and fruit flies.
Fruit Flies: This is a major concern for guavas. Implement preventative measures like hanging sticky traps, using apple cider vinegar traps, or bagging individual fruits as they form to protect them from egg-laying.
Diseases: Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Treat infestations promptly with appropriate organic solutions or insecticidal soap.
10. Harvesting:
Patience: Guava trees grown from seed can take 3-4 years to bear fruit, while nursery-bought plants might fruit sooner (1-2 years).
Ripeness: Guavas are ready to harvest when their skin changes color (from green to yellow-green or yellow), they emit a sweet aroma, and feel slightly soft when gently pressed.
Fruiting Season: In many areas, guavas fruit during autumn and early winter, though some mild climates can see year-round fruiting.
