Guava fruit trees (Psidium spp.), belonging to the Myrtaceae family, are tropical and subtropical evergreens prized for their aromatic, nutrient-rich fruits, which are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Native primarily to Central and South America, guavas are cultivated globally in warm climates, from India to Florida, for their versatility in fresh consumption, juices, jams, and desserts.
Guava trees, primarily Psidium guajava (common guava), are small, evergreen shrubs or trees in the Myrtaceae family, alongside myrtles, eucalyptus, and feijoa. Typically growing 10–33 feet (3–10 meters) tall, they feature mottled, peeling bark, opposite, elliptic to ovate leaves (2–6 inches long), and white, five-petaled flowers with numerous stamens. The fruit, botanically a berry, varies from round to pear-shaped, with green, yellow, or maroon skin and white, pink, or yellow flesh containing numerous edible seeds.
Guavas are self-fertile but benefit from cross-pollination by bees, yielding fruit in 2–4 years from seed or cuttings. Their adaptability to various soils, moderate cold tolerance (mature trees survive 25°F/-4°C), and prolific fruiting make them ideal for tropical gardens, containers, or greenhouses. In 2019, global guava production reached 55 million tonnes, with India leading at 45%.
Guavas thrive in USDA Zones 9–11, preferring full sun (6–10 hours daily), well-drained soils (pH 5.0–7.0), and temperatures between 73–82°F (23–28°C). Young trees are frost-sensitive, requiring protection below 28°F (-2°C), while mature trees tolerate brief cold snaps. Plant in spring or summer, spacing 10–20 feet apart, and water every other day for the first week, then weekly. Fertilize monthly with a balanced 6-6-6-2 formula, and prune annually to remove suckers and maintain shape, as fruit forms on new growth. Pests like Caribbean fruit flies and diseases like anthracnose require monitoring, with neem oil or fungicides as remedies. Guavas are propagated via cuttings, air-layering, or grafting for true-to-type plants, as seed-grown trees may not match the parent.
Guava Fruit Trees
Tropical Pink Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: TropicalOwning to its vibrant pink to reddish flesh, Tropical Pink guava produces medium-sized, round fruits with a sweet, mildly tangy flavor. The skin is yellow-green when ripe, and the flesh is juicy, with small, edible seeds.
- Tree Characteristics: A vigorous, evergreen tree growing 10–20 feet tall, with glossy, dark green leaves. It’s a fast-growing variety, often producing fruit within 2–3 years.
- Cultivation: Thrives in USDA zones 9–11, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. It’s moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering. Resistant to many pests, though fruit flies can be an issue.
- Uses: Eaten fresh, juiced, or used in jams, jellies, and desserts. The high vitamin C content (4–5 times that of an orange) makes it a nutritional powerhouse.
- Notable Features: Popular in tropical regions like Florida, Hawaii, and Southeast Asia. Its attractive fruit makes it a favorite for home gardens.
Tropical White Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Known for its creamy white or pale yellow flesh, this variety has a sweet, slightly floral flavor. Fruits are medium to large, with thin, edible yellow skin.
- Tree Characteristics: Compact, reaching 8–15 feet, with a spreading canopy. The tree is evergreen, with smooth bark and oval leaves.
- Cultivation: Suited for warm climates (zones 9b–11), it prefers sandy or loamy soil and tolerates mild salinity. Regular pruning helps maintain shape and encourages fruiting.
- Uses: Ideal for fresh eating, smoothies, or salads. Its subtle flavor pairs well with savory dishes.
- Notable Features: Less common than pink varieties, it’s prized for its aesthetic appeal and mild taste, especially in Asian markets.
Red Malaysian Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Striking red or deep pink flesh with a sweet-tart flavor. Fruits are medium-sized, with thin, glossy yellow skin.
- Tree Characteristics: A medium-sized tree (10–18 feet) with a dense, bushy growth habit. Leaves are leathery and dark green.
- Cultivation: Best in tropical climates (zones 10–11), it requires full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Sensitive to frost but highly productive in warm regions.
- Uses: Used in beverages, sorbets, and fresh fruit platters. The vibrant color makes it a garnish favorite.
- Notable Features: Originating from Malaysia, this variety is gaining popularity for its ornamental value and intense color.
Lemon Guava (Psidium littorale)
- Fruit Characteristics: Small, round fruits with yellow skin and white flesh. The flavor is tart, reminiscent of lemon, with a crisp texture.
- Tree Characteristics: A shrub-like tree, growing 6–12 feet, with slender branches and small, glossy leaves.
- Cultivation: Hardy in zones 8–11, it tolerates light frost and poor soils. Prefers full sun and minimal water once established.
- Uses: Eaten fresh, dried, or used in candies and teas. Its tangy flavor is excellent for preserves.
- Notable Features: Also called “Cattley Guava,” it’s a distinct species from common guava, often grown as an ornamental.
Beaumont Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Large, green-skinned fruits with pinkish-red flesh. The flavor is mildly sweet with a hint of tartness.
- Tree Characteristics: A robust tree, reaching 15–25 feet, with a broad canopy. It’s a heavy producer, ideal for commercial cultivation.
- Cultivation: Thrives in zones 9–11, preferring loamy soil and regular irrigation. It’s resistant to many diseases but needs protection from fruit pests.
- Uses: Processed into juice, paste, or canned products. Popular in Latin America for “guava paste” desserts.
- Notable Features: Developed in Hawaii, this cultivar is prized for its high yield and adaptability to mechanized harvesting.
Mexican Cream Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Small to medium fruits with pale yellow skin and creamy white flesh. The flavor is sweet and custard-like.
- Tree Characteristics: A compact tree (8–12 feet), perfect for small gardens or containers. Leaves are slightly fuzzy.
- Cultivation: Grows well in zones 9–11, tolerating light drought. Prefers acidic soil and benefits from mulching.
- Uses: Eaten fresh or blended into desserts like flan or ice cream. Its smooth texture is a standout.
- Notable Features: Popular in Mexico and Central America, it’s a dessert guava with growing demand.
Ruby Supreme Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Medium-sized fruits with ruby-red flesh and a balanced sweet-tart flavor. The skin is yellow with a slight blush.
- Tree Characteristics: A vigorous tree, growing 12–20 feet, with a rounded shape and dense foliage.
- Cultivation: Suited for zones 9b–11, it needs full sun and moderate water. Pruning enhances fruit quality.
- Uses: Great for fresh eating, juicing, or making guava jelly. Its color adds visual appeal to dishes.
- Notable Features: A hybrid cultivar, it’s favored for its consistent fruit size and disease resistance.
Hong Kong Pink Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Small, pear-shaped fruits with bright pink flesh and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The skin is thin and yellow.
- Tree Characteristics: A dwarf variety, growing 6–10 feet, ideal for patio or container gardening.
- Cultivation: Thrives in zones 10–11, requiring warm temperatures and well-drained soil. Protect from cold snaps.
- Uses: Eaten fresh or used in tropical cocktails and sorbets. Its small size makes it a snack favorite.
- Notable Features: Originating in Asia, it’s a premium variety for its intense flavor and compact growth.
Allahabad Safeda Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Large, round fruits with white flesh and a sweet, slightly tangy taste. The skin is pale green to yellow.
- Tree Characteristics: A tall tree (15–25 feet) with a spreading habit and large, glossy leaves.
- Cultivation: Popular in India, it grows in zones 9–11, preferring fertile soil and regular watering. It’s drought-tolerant once mature.
- Uses: Widely used for juicing, canning, and fresh consumption. A staple in Indian markets.
- Notable Features: Known for its high yield and uniform fruit size, it’s a commercial favorite.
Lucknow 49 Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Medium to large fruits with white flesh and a sweet, low-acidity flavor. The skin is thick and yellow.
- Tree Characteristics: A sturdy tree, growing 12–18 feet, with a dense canopy and rough bark.
- Cultivation: Ideal for zones 9–11, it’s adaptable to various soils, including clay. Requires minimal care.
- Uses: Eaten fresh, processed into pulp, or dried. Its thick skin aids in storage and transport.
- Notable Features: Another Indian cultivar, it’s prized for its shelf life and mild flavor.
Pineapple Guava (Acca sellowiana)
- Fruit Characteristics: Oval, green-skinned fruits with white, juicy flesh. The flavor combines pineapple, guava, and mint notes.
- Tree Characteristics: A shrub or small tree (6–15 feet) with silver-green leaves and attractive, edible flowers.
- Cultivation: Hardy in zones 8–11, it tolerates frost and poor soils. Prefers full sun and occasional watering.
- Uses: Fruits are eaten fresh, scooped out, or used in jams and beverages. Flowers are a sweet garnish.
- Notable Features: Not a true guava, but closely related, it’s a popular ornamental in temperate regions.
Thai Maroon Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Medium-sized fruits with deep maroon flesh and a sweet, slightly spicy flavor. The skin is yellow-green.
- Tree Characteristics: A compact tree (8–12 feet), with a bushy growth pattern and small, glossy leaves.
- Cultivation: Best in zones 10–11, it needs warm, humid conditions and rich soil. Sensitive to cold.
- Uses: Used in smoothies, salads, or as a fresh snack. Its unique flavor is a culinary trend.
- Notable Features: A Southeast Asian variety, it’s gaining traction for its bold color and taste.
Barbie Pink Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Medium-sized, round fruits with vivid pink flesh and a sweet, slightly tart flavor. The skin is thin, yellow with a pink blush when ripe, and the flesh is juicy with moderate seeds.
- Tree Characteristics: A compact, evergreen tree growing 8–12 feet tall, with a bushy habit and glossy, dark green leaves. Ideal for small gardens or containers.
- Cultivation: Thrives in USDA zones 9b–11, requiring full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). It’s moderately drought-tolerant but needs regular watering for optimal fruiting. Protect from frost.
- Uses: Eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, or used in vibrant desserts like sorbets and cakes. The bright flesh makes it a favorite for garnishes.
- Notable Features: Named for its striking pink color, this variety is popular in tropical regions like Florida and the Caribbean, often grown for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Indonesian Seedless Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Medium to large fruits with pale yellow skin and white flesh. Notably, it has very few or no seeds, with a mild, sweet flavor and smooth texture.
- Tree Characteristics: A vigorous tree, reaching 12–20 feet, with a spreading canopy and leathery, oval leaves.
- Cultivation: Best in zones 10–11, it prefers warm, humid climates and fertile, loamy soil. Regular pruning enhances fruit production, and it’s relatively pest-resistant.
- Uses: Ideal for fresh eating due to its seedless nature, also used in salads, juices, and fruit platters.
- Notable Features: Originating from Indonesia, this cultivar is prized for its convenience and appeal in markets where seedless fruits are in demand.
Ka Hua Kula Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Large, pear-shaped fruits with yellow-green skin and pinkish-red flesh. The flavor is sweet with a tangy edge, and the texture is juicy.
- Tree Characteristics: A medium-sized tree (10–18 feet) with a rounded shape and dense, glossy foliage.
- Cultivation: Suited for zones 9–11, it thrives in Hawaii’s volcanic soils but adapts to other well-drained soils. Requires full sun and moderate irrigation.
- Uses: Processed into jams, jellies, or juice concentrates. Also enjoyed fresh or in baked goods.
- Notable Features: A Hawaiian cultivar, it’s known for its high yield and robust flavor, making it a staple in local markets.
Costa Rican Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Small to medium fruits with thick, green skin and white flesh. The flavor is intensely sweet with a hint of floral notes.
- Tree Characteristics: A compact tree, growing 6–12 feet, with slender branches and small, glossy leaves. Suitable for hedging or container growth.
- Cultivation: Grows well in zones 9b–11, tolerating mild salinity and poor soils. Prefers full sun and minimal watering once established.
- Uses: Eaten fresh, dried, or used in candies and beverages. Its concentrated flavor is excellent for syrups.
- Notable Features: Common in Central America, this variety is valued for its resilience and suitability for small-scale farming.
Apple Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Medium-sized, round fruits with yellow skin and white or pale pink flesh. The flavor is sweet, with a crisp, apple-like texture.
- Tree Characteristics: A sturdy tree, reaching 12–20 feet, with a broad canopy and smooth, grayish bark.
- Cultivation: Thrives in zones 9–11, preferring fertile, well-drained soil and regular watering. It’s moderately resistant to pests like fruit flies.
- Uses: Eaten fresh, juiced, or used in pies and tarts. Its firm texture makes it versatile for cooking.
- Notable Features: Named for its apple-like qualities, this variety is popular in Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Sardar Guava (Lucknow 42)
- Fruit Characteristics: Large, round fruits with creamy white flesh and a sweet, low-acidity flavor. The skin is thick, yellow, and slightly waxy.
- Tree Characteristics: A tall, vigorous tree (15–25 feet) with a spreading habit and large, glossy leaves.
- Cultivation: Ideal for zones 9–11, it’s widely grown in India and adapts to various soils, including sandy loam. Drought-tolerant but benefits from mulching.
- Uses: Used for fresh consumption, juicing, or making guava paste. Its thick skin aids in long storage.
- Notable Features: A high-yielding Indian cultivar, it’s a commercial favorite for its uniform fruit size and disease resistance.
Cherry Guava (Psidium cattleyanum var. lucidum)
- Fruit Characteristics: Small, cherry-sized fruits with yellow skin and white flesh. The flavor is sweet-tart, with a refreshing, berry-like quality.
- Tree Characteristics: A shrub-like tree, growing 6–15 feet, with slender branches and small, glossy leaves. Often used as an ornamental.
- Cultivation: Hardy in zones 8–11, it tolerates light frost and poor soils. Prefers full sun and occasional watering.
- Uses: Eaten fresh, used in jams, or brewed into teas. The fruits are popular for snacking.
- Notable Features: A variant of the Cattley Guava, it’s less common but valued for its compact size and prolific fruiting.
Taiwan Pink Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Medium to large fruits with yellow skin and bright pink flesh. The flavor is sweet with a subtle tartness, and the texture is juicy.
- Tree Characteristics: A medium-sized tree (10–15 feet) with a dense, bushy growth pattern and dark green leaves.
- Cultivation: Best in zones 10–11, it requires warm, humid conditions and rich, well-drained soil. Sensitive to cold but highly productive.
- Uses: Used in fresh fruit platters, smoothies, or processed into juice and desserts. Its color is a culinary highlight.
- Notable Features: Developed in Taiwan, this variety is gaining popularity for its large fruit size and vibrant flesh.
Brazilian Red Guava
- Fruit Characteristics: Medium-sized fruits with yellow skin and deep red flesh. The flavor is sweet-tart, with a rich, tropical aroma.
- Tree Characteristics: A robust tree, growing 12–20 feet, with a broad canopy and leathery, oval leaves.
- Cultivation: Suited for zones 9–11, it thrives in Brazil’s tropical climate but adapts to other warm regions. Requires full sun and moderate irrigation.
- Uses: Processed into guava paste, juice, or desserts like mousse. Also eaten fresh for its bold flavor.
- Notable Features: A commercial staple in South America, it’s known for its high vitamin C content and processing versatility.
General Cultivation Tips for Guava Trees
- Climate: Most guavas thrive in warm, frost-free climates (zones 9–11). Some, like Lemon and Pineapple Guava, tolerate light frost.
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0) is ideal. Guavas are adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
- Watering: Regular watering during establishment; mature trees are drought-tolerant but produce better with consistent moisture.
- Pruning: Annual pruning removes dead wood, shapes the tree, and improves air circulation, reducing fungal issues.
- Pests/Diseases: Common pests include fruit flies, scale, and aphids. Fungal diseases like anthracnose can be managed with proper spacing and fungicides.
- Propagation: Grown from seeds, cuttings, or air-layering. Seed-grown trees may vary in fruit quality, so grafting is preferred for consistency.
Nutritional and Culinary Versatility
Guava fruits are rich in vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals like potassium and folate. They’re low in calories, making them a healthy snack. Culinary uses include:
- Fresh: Sliced or scooped out with a spoon.
- Processed: Juices, jams, jellies, pastes, or dried snacks.
- Desserts: Sorbets, ice creams, or baked goods.
- Savory: Paired with cheese, in salsas, or as a glaze for meats.
Cultural and Economic Importance
Guava is a staple in tropical regions, from Latin America to South Asia. In countries like India, Brazil, and Thailand, it’s a major commercial crop, with cultivars like Allahabad Safeda and Beaumont dominating markets. Its ease of growth and high yield make it a valuable crop for small farmers. In home gardens, guava trees are both productive and ornamental, with attractive foliage and flowers