How to Grow Guava
Psidium guajava
Guava is a tropical fruit tree that must be grown under glass in the UK — a heated greenhouse or large conservatory kept above 10°C in winter. Grow in a large container of loam-based compost, provide full sun, and feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season. Water freely in summer but reduce in winter. Prune lightly to shape and remove crossing branches. Strawberry guava is the hardiest option and can tolerate brief dips to around -3°C.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser from spring to autumn. Reduce to monthly in winter. Guava is a moderately hungry tree that responds well to regular feeding during the growing season.
Watch For
- Glasshouse red spider mite — stippled leaves and fine webbing in warm dry conditions
- Scale insects on stems and older wood
- Mealybugs in leaf axils and on stems
- Anthracnose — dark sunken spots on fruit and leaves in humid conditions
- Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage
Track your Guava care schedule — pruning, feeding, and seasonal tasks
Start planning freeCare Requirements
☀️ Light
Full sun, brightest position under glass
Full sun is essential. Grow in the brightest position in a heated greenhouse or conservatory. Move outdoors to a sunny, sheltered spot in summer if possible.
💧 Watering
Freely in summer, reduced but not dry in winter
Water freely during the growing season, keeping compost evenly moist. Reduce in winter but do not allow the rootball to dry out completely.
🌱 Fertilizing
Balanced liquid feed fortnightly, spring to autumn
Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser from spring to autumn. Reduce to monthly in winter. Guava is a moderately hungry tree.
✂️ Pruning
Light spring pruning to shape, responds well to pruning
Prune lightly in spring to shape and remove crossing or dead branches. Guava responds well to pruning and can be kept compact in a container.
❄️ Overwintering
Heated glass above 10°C, strawberry guava hardier
Keep above 10°C in a heated greenhouse or conservatory. Strawberry guava tolerates brief dips to around -3°C but tropical types need consistent warmth.
Growing Tips
Frost-free conditions essential
Guava cannot tolerate frost. Grow in a heated greenhouse or conservatory and keep above 10°C year-round.
Grow in a generous container
Use a large container with loam-based compost and good drainage. Repot every two to three years in spring.
Feed regularly in the growing season
Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser from spring to autumn. Reduce to monthly in winter.
Try strawberry guava for hardiness
Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum) is hardier than tropical types and produces small, flavourful fruit. A good choice for UK conservatories.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Glasshouse Red Spider Mite
Identification: Fine stippling on upper leaf surfaces. Leaves become dull, bronzed, and may drop. Fine webbing visible in severe infestations.
- Introduce the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis
- Mist foliage regularly to raise humidity
- Spray with insecticidal soap
- Spray with a miticide if biological control is insufficient
Pest Scale Insects
Identification: Small brown or white limpet-like bumps on stems and leaf undersides. Sticky honeydew and sooty mould on foliage.
- Scrub off with a soft brush dipped in soapy water
- Apply a winter plant oil wash
- Encourage parasitic wasps
- Spray with a plant oil-based insecticide during the dormant season
Pest Mealybugs
Identification: White, waxy, cottony clusters in leaf axils and on stems. Sticky honeydew and sooty mould. Stunted growth.
- Dab individual bugs with a cotton bud soaked in methylated spirit
- Introduce the ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri as biological control
- Spray with insecticidal soap
- Spray with a systemic insecticide containing acetamiprid
Disease Anthracnose Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Symptoms: Dark, sunken spots on fruit and leaves. Fruit may rot before ripening. Leaves develop brown patches and may drop.
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected fruit and leaves. Improve air circulation around the tree.
Prevention: Avoid overhead watering. Ensure good ventilation in the greenhouse. Remove fallen debris promptly.
Disease Root Rot Phytophthora spp.
Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting despite moist soil, and dark discolouration at the stem base. Roots are brown and mushy.
Treatment: Reduce watering. Repot into fresh, well-drained compost. Cut away affected roots.
Prevention: Use well-drained compost with added perlite. Avoid overwatering. Ensure containers have adequate drainage holes.
Popular Varieties
Strawberry Guava
A distinct species with small, deep red fruit and glossy foliage. Hardier than tropical guavas with a tart, berry-like flavour.
Tropical White
Produces large, yellow-skinned fruit with creamy white flesh and moderate seeds. Sweet and musky flavour with high Vitamin C content.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 600 cm |
| Row spacing | 750 cm |
| Mature height | 400 cm |
| Mature spread | 300 cm |
Evergreen tree or large shrub. Can be invasive in Hawaii. Spring and autumn flowering peaks. Good for hedgerows at closer spacing.
Log Guava in your garden — track growth, care, and harvests year after year
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