Around 150 species of Guavas
originaltes from tropical Americas
Psidium guajava – yellow fruited, known as tropical guava
Originates in Mexico and Central America.
Can live in areas with frost.
Choose a sheltered sunny spot
Grows to 2m-5m high.
Rich in vitamin C. Does not keep well once ripe.
Psidium littorale var longipes – Red Cherry Guava. Small compact tree to 2m. Has been in NZ since before 1883. Prune in early spring (before flowering) to maintain and even shape and size.
Does well as a container plant
Tougher the P. guajava. Will tolerate more frost
Well drained soil and full sun. Reasonably drought hardy.
High nitrogen fertiliser in spring and summer
Fruit forms on new season growth.