📌 INTRODUCTION
The Pink Guava Tree (Psidium guajava) is a tropical fruit tree highly prized for its aromatic, sweet, and slightly tangy fruits with vibrant pink flesh. Native to tropical America and now grown worldwide, pink guavas are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them one of the most nutritious fruits available. Beyond their health benefits, guava trees add beauty to the garden with glossy evergreen leaves, white fragrant blossoms, and a compact growth habit perfect for both ornamental and edible landscapes.
📏 SIZE
A mature Pink Guava tree typically grows 10–20 feet (3–6 m) tall and spreads about 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) wide. It is considered a small-to-medium fruit tree, making it highly versatile for home gardens, small orchards, and even urban yards. With pruning, guava trees can be kept compact for easier harvest and patio planting.
🌼 POLLINATION
Pink Guava trees are self-pollinating, meaning a single tree can produce fruit on its own. However, planting multiple guava trees can increase yields and fruit size.
For best results, encourage natural pollinators such as bees and butterflies to visit during the blooming season.
❄ USDA HARDINESS ZONES
Pink Guava trees thrive in USDA Zones 9–11. Once established, they can tolerate brief dips down to 25°F (-4°C), but young trees are frost-sensitive and should be protected. They grow best in warm, frost-free subtropical and tropical climates with long summers and mild winters.
⏳ CHILL HOURS
Pink Guava trees do not require chill hours to flower or fruit. Instead, they thrive in consistently warm climates and can produce multiple crops per year in tropical conditions. Their lack of chill requirement makes them adaptable to many southern U.S. regions, especially Florida, Texas, and southern California.
☀ PLANTING SITE
Select a location with full sun exposure (at least 8 hours daily).
Soil should be well-drained, sandy or loamy, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, equal depth, and amend with compost or organic matter.
Apply a 2–4 inch layer of mulch (straw, wood chips, or leaves) around the base to retain soil moisture, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.
🪴 CONTAINER GROWING
Pink Guava trees adapt very well to container growing, especially in cooler regions. Use a large pot (minimum 20–25 gallons) with good drainage. Container culture allows easy relocation to protect from frost. With pruning, guava trees can be maintained as compact patio fruit trees while still producing heavy harvests.
💧 WATERING
Water deeply once per week, providing about 1–1.5 inches of water weekly. Increase frequency in sandy soils or hot weather.
Avoid shallow, frequent watering—roots require consistent deep moisture.
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are recommended for efficient water delivery.
🌿 FERTILIZATION
Fertilize Pink Guava trees with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) during spring and summer.
Apply micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and manganese as needed for healthy foliage and fruiting.
Avoid excessive late-season fertilization, which encourages tender growth vulnerable to cold.
Organic compost and mulching enhance soil fertility and long-term productivity.
🐛 PESTS & DISEASES
While hardy and adaptable, Pink Guava trees may encounter:
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Fruit flies and scale insects: manage with traps or insecticidal sprays.
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Birds and squirrels: protect ripening fruits with netting.
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Root rot: prevent with well-drained soil.
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Anthracnose (fungal disease): manage with pruning and copper fungicide sprays.
🍊 HARVEST & USE
Pink Guavas typically ripen in late summer through fall, though in tropical climates, multiple harvests are possible.
Fruits are ready when the skin turns yellow-green and emit a fragrant aroma.
Each tree can yield 50–80 lbs of fruit annually under ideal conditions.
The sweet, aromatic pink flesh is excellent for fresh eating, juices, smoothies, jams, jellies, and desserts. Pink guavas are highly valued for both their flavor and nutritional richness, making them a must-have for any tropical fruit lover.