Cartagena guava branches with veined green leaves and ripe light yellow fruit above peeling tan bark

Cartagena Guava

Psidium guajava 'Cartagena'
Categories:
Tropical Fruit  ·  
Tropical Fruit
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Moderate to high during Phoenix summers; water deeply when the upper 2–3 inches of soil dry. Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development, and reduce watering in winter.
Size
10-15 ft tall × 8-12 ft wide
Habit
Upright tree – multi-trunk
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
A tropical fruiting guava with aromatic, edible fruit, prominently veined leaves, and attractive peeling bark. Best grown in a protected Phoenix microclimate.
Bloom Time
Spring to summer
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Edible, Fragrant
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast
Growth Habit
Upright tree – multi-trunk
Mature Size
10-15 ft tall × 8-12 ft wide
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape Use
Container / Patio, Edible / Orchard, Hedge / Screen
Garden Style
Edible Garden, Hedge / Formal, Tropical
Soil
Alkaline Tolerant, Amended / Rich, Prefers Acidic, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Citrus, Feijoa, Pomegranate
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; protect young trees from intense summer sun and reflected heat.

Water: Moderate to high during Phoenix summers; water deeply when the upper 2–3 inches of soil dry. Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development, and reduce watering in winter.

Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost; slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Tolerates some alkalinity but may develop nutrient deficiencies in Phoenix soils.

Mature size: Typically 10–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide if unpruned; can be maintained at 6–10 feet with regular pruning.

Bloom: Primarily spring into summer, with additional flowering possible during warm weather; timing varies with temperature and plant condition.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; may drop leaves after cold exposure or severe stress.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate warmth, water, and nutrition.