Guava Seeds - Psidium guajava

9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 9-11 - Guava grows as a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree. It is sensitive to frost, particularly when young. In Zone 9, plants may require protection during winter freezes.

Best Performance - Achieved in the frost-free climates of Zones 10 and 11, where it can be planted in-ground and will grow into a productive tree with minimal winter protection.

Colder Zones (8 and below) - Guava must be grown as a container plant. The pot can be moved outdoors during the warm summer months and must be brought indoors to a bright, sunny location well before the first fall frost. It will not survive the winter outdoors in these zones.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - This is the ideal environment for guava. Plant in a location that receives full sun. While drought-tolerant once established, consistent watering during fruit development will produce a much higher quality crop.

Soil Temperature - Germination requires very warm soil. The optimal temperature range is 75-85 degrees F. A seedling heat mat is essential for success, as germination is very slow and will likely fail in cool soil.

Growing Season - Guava is a long-term perennial. From seed, plants typically require 2-4 years of growth before they are mature enough to produce their first fruit.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Sow:
Start seeds indoors at any time of year, but spring is ideal. Be prepared for a long germination period. This is not a plant to be direct-sown in the garden.

Sowing and Germination:

Seed Prep (Recommended): To improve the germination rate of the hard seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting. Some gardeners have success with a brief (5-minute) soak in boiling water followed by the 24-hour warm water soak.

Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in a sterile, well-draining, and moisture-retentive potting mix.

Heat and Humidity: This is the most critical step. The soil must be kept consistently warm (75-85 degrees F) and moist. Use a seedling heat mat and cover the pot with a plastic dome or wrap to maintain high humidity.

Germination: Be patient. Germination is slow and can take anywhere from 3 to 10 weeks.

Light: Once seedlings emerge, provide plenty of strong, direct light. A sunny, south-facing window or a grow light is necessary.

Transplanting and Spacing:

After seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves, they can be carefully potted up into larger individual containers.

For container growing, select a pot with excellent drainage.

For in-ground planting (Zones 9-11 only), acclimate the young plant to outdoor conditions over a week. Plant in a well-draining location after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants at least 10-15 feet apart.

Ongoing Care:

Light: Guava thrives in full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day).

Soil: It is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers a well-drained soil with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0.

Water: Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Container plants will require more frequent watering than those in the ground.

Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the active growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in the fall and winter.

Pruning: Prune in the late winter or early spring to shape the tree, remove any dead or crossing branches, and encourage an open structure for good light penetration and air circulation.