How to Grow Strawberry Guava
Psidium cattleianum
Strawberry guava is a compact evergreen fruiting shrub (2-4m) that is significantly hardier than tropical guava, tolerating brief dips to -3C. In the UK it can fruit in an unheated or cool greenhouse, making it one of the easiest guavas to grow. Plant in a large container of loam-based compost with good drainage, provide full sun, and feed fortnightly during the growing season. Self-fertile, so a single plant will produce fruit. Small deep-red fruits have a distinctive strawberry-like flavour.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun; brightest position under glass
Full sun is essential for fruiting. Grow in the brightest position in a greenhouse or conservatory. Move outdoors to a sunny, sheltered spot in summer if possible.
Watering
Freely in summer, reduced 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.
Pruning
Light pruning to shape in spring
Prune lightly in spring to shape and remove crossing branches. Responds well to pruning and can be kept compact in a container.
Overwintering
Cool greenhouse above 0C; tolerates brief dips to -3C
Can overwinter in an unheated greenhouse or cool conservatory. Tolerates brief frosts to -3C but prolonged freezing will damage the plant. Keep above 5C for best results.
Growing Tips
Hardier than tropical guava
Strawberry guava tolerates brief frosts to -3C, making it one of the few guavas that can fruit in an unheated greenhouse in the UK. A cool greenhouse or conservatory is sufficient.
Self-fertile and compact
A single plant will set fruit without a pollinator. The compact habit (2-4m) makes it well suited to large containers and conservatories.
Distinctive strawberry-flavoured fruit
The small deep-red fruits have a sweet, aromatic flavour reminiscent of strawberry and guava combined. Eat fresh or use in jams, smoothies, and desserts.
