Strawberry guava
Psidium cattleianum · Myrtaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around strawberry guava and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Psidium cattleianum
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- May to June
- Adult size
- Approximately 3 m tall
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Tropical and subtropical climate (freezes from 0°C)
- Origin
- Brazil (Brazilian Guiana)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Chilean guava cannot tolerate harsh winters outdoors beyond a few days of frost: grow it in a pot indoors for winter or lean it against a south/west-facing wall to benefit from heat reflection.
The common mistake
Planting it in the ground in temperate climates and expecting fruit; it dies back at -5°C and only flowers in Mediterranean regions.
The pro's trick
In cold climates, keep it in a pot (40-50 L) and bring it indoors before the first frosts: you'll get fruit and flowers, plus more seasonal flexibility.
Seasonal watch
Autumn: stop watering and fertilizing 6 weeks before bringing it indoors—this hardens the wood.
Care
Exposure
The Strawberry Guava thrives in full sun for optimal fruiting. It also accepts partial shade, but fruit production will be less abundant. Place it in a location sheltered from strong winds to encourage fruit set.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-drained during the growing period. Reduce watering in winter or during temporary drought. Avoid waterlogging which can cause root rot and fungal diseases.
Soil and planting
Prefer rich, well-aerated soil that is slightly acidic. Enrich the substrate with compost or potting soil at planting. Ensure proper drainage by adding sand if the soil is too compact.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring and summer to support growth and fruiting. Reduce applications in winter. Fertilizer rich in potassium will promote fruit formation.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a bushy, balanced shape. Remove dead or crossing branches. Pruning is not essential but promotes better branching and fruiting.
Pests and diseases
Watch for scale insects and whiteflies, particularly in indoor cultivation. Leaves may be affected by fungal spots in overly humid conditions; improve air circulation. Generally disease-resistant if growing conditions are good.
Did you know?
The Strawberry Guava was introduced from Brazil to the Caribbean and Latin America, where it naturalized quickly. Its red, semi-transparent fruits, rich in vitamin C, became a highly appreciated food. Due to its ease of cultivation and productivity, it is sometimes called "the poor man's guava" in certain regions, as it grows with minimal care while offering a generous harvest.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.