Seed Availability

Seeds are now available at our seed store.

Description

Small bush or tree to 20-25ft, although often much smaller.

Hardiness

Strawberry guava's are hardy to 22F when full grown.

Growing Environment

The strawberry guava is very adaptable and can be grown outdoors throughout much of Florida and California. It will fruit in a container almost anywhere if protected from hard freezes. Trees grow well in full sun and with ample water, although short periods of drought will not harm the plant. Lots of water is needed during fruit development and for proper ripening to occur. The yellow strawberry guava (Psidium cattlenium var. lucidum) is said to be not quite as hardy as the standard red strawberry guava, but seems to survive temperatures to 25F.

Propagation

Usually by seed, sometimes by cuttings.

Germination Info

Guava seeds are of moderate difficulty to germinate. The most common stumbling block is not allowing enough time to pass for germination as guava seeds routinely need a minimum of 4-6 weeks before any possible germination. Plant seeds 1/4-1/2" deep in moist, sterile soil. Keep soil temperature consistent at 70-85F. Cool soils will significantly delay seed germination time and soil temperatures below 60-63F will inhibit germination altogether.

Estimated germination time under optimal conditions: 4-12 weeks, though occasionally longer. Seeds often show staggered germination.

Uses

Usually eaten fresh or used to flavor beverages, ice creams, and desserts.

Native Range

Native to coastal areas of Eastern Brazil. The strawberry guava is now a weed in many parts of the tropics where it has quickly adapted to a variety of climates. There are major infestations on Hawaii and many Caribbean islands. In tropical climates, the strawberry guava is most often found growing at higher elevations, where the mean temperature is much cooler. The yellow form tends to be a bit less hardy and therefore is found at slightly lower elevations.

Additional Pictures

Related Species

Myrtaceae
	Acmena smithii (Eugenia smithii) Lilly Pilly		Callistemon pallidus Lemon Bottlebrush
	Calyptropsidium sartorianum Sartre Guava		Campomanesia adamantium White Guabiroba
	Campomanesia guaviroba Guabiroba		Campomanesia lineatifolia Perfume Guava
	Campomanesia obversa Guavira mi		Campomanesia xanthocarpa Gabiroba
	Eucalyptus deglupta Rainbow Eucalyptus		Eugenia aggregata Cherry of the Rio Grande
	Eugenia axillaris White Stopper		Eugenia brasiliensis Grumichama
	Eugenia brogniartiana Eugenia brogniartiana		Eugenia candolleana Rainforest Plum
	Eugenia dysenterica Cagaita		Eugenia foetida Spanish Stopper
	Eugenia klotzschiana Brazilian Pear		Eugenia luschnathiana Pitomba
	Eugenia lutescens Perinha		Eugenia megacarpum Giant Lau Lau
	Eugenia patrisii Turtle Berry		Eugenia pitanga Savanna Pitanga
	Eugenia punicifolia Beach Cherry		Eugenia reinwardtiana Cedar Bay Cherry
	Eugenia selloi Pitangatuba		Eugenia stipitata Araca Boi
	Eugenia uniflora Surinam Cherry		Eugenia uvalha Uvalha
	Eugenia victoriana Sundrop		Feijoa sellowiana Feijoa
	Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea Tree		Melaleuca incana Gray Honey Myrtle
	Myrcianthes fragrans Simpson's Stopper		Myrcianthes pungens Guabiyu
	Myrciaria aureana White Jaboticaba		Myrciaria cauliflora Jaboticaba
	Myrciaria dubia Camu Camu		Myrciaria floribunda Rumberry
	Myrciaria glazioviana Yellow Jaboticaba		Myrciaria oblongata Sour Jaboticaba
	Myrciaria tenella Cambui		Myrciaria vexator Blue Grape
	Myrtle communis Myrtle		Pimenta dioica Allspice
	Pimenta racemosa Bay Rum		Plinia edulis Cambuca
	Psidium acutangulum Para Guava		Psidium cattleianum Strawberry Guava
	Psidium copacabanensis Copacabana Guava		Psidium eugeniaefolia Purple Forest Guava
	Psidium firmum Savanna Guava		Psidium friedrichsthalianum Cas Guava
	Psidium guajava Guava		Psidium guajava Red Malaysian Guava
	Psidium guineense Brazilian Guava		Psidium littorale (P. cattleianum lucidum) Lemon Guava
	Psidium rufum Purple Guava		Syzygium aqueum Water Apple
	Syzygium aromaticum Clove		Syzygium cordatum Water Berry
	Syzygium cuminii Java Plum		Syzygium forte White Apple
	Syzygium jambos Rose Apple		Syzygium malaccense Malay Apple
	Syzygium oleosum Blue Lilly Pilly		Syzygium paniculatum Brush Cherry
	Syzygium samarangense Wax Jambu		Syzygium suborbiculare Lady Apple
	Syzygium versteegii Syzygium versteegii		Ugni molinae Chilean Guava
	Ugni myricoides Black Chilean Guava