Guatemalan red guava branches with ripe yellow fruit, one split open showing deep pink-red flesh

Guatemalan Red Guava

Psidium guajava
Categories:
Tropical Fruit  ·  
Tropical Fruit
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix. Water deeply when the upper few inches of soil dry; increase frequency during extreme heat and fruit development. Avoid constantly saturated soil.
Size
10-15 ft tall × 10-15 ft wide
Habit
Upright tree – multi-trunk
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
A tropical fruit tree grown for aromatic guavas with pink to red flesh, edible skin, and a sweet-tart flavor. Attractive bark and foliage add ornamental interest.
Bloom Time
Spring to summer
Deciduous / Evergreen
Semi-evergreen
Special Features
Attracts Bees / Pollinators, Edible, Fragrant
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast
Growth Habit
Upright tree – multi-trunk
Mature Size
10-15 ft tall × 10-15 ft wide
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Medium green
Landscape Use
Container / Patio, Edible / Orchard, Hedge / Screen
Garden Style
Edible Garden, Hedge / Formal, Pollinator / Wildlife, Tropical
Soil
Amended / Rich, Prefers Acidic, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Citrus, Pineapple guava, Pomegranate, Spaced to avoid root crowding
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to partial shade; in Phoenix, provide morning sun and afternoon shade, especially for young trees. Avoid reflected heat from west-facing walls.

Water: Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix. Water deeply when the upper few inches of soil dry; increase frequency during extreme heat and fruit development. Avoid constantly saturated soil.

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

Mature size: Approximately 10–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide; can be maintained around 6–10 feet with regular pruning.

Bloom: Usually blooms in spring through summer, with additional flowering possible during warm weather. Fruit typically matures several months after flowering.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; may lose leaves during cold weather or drought.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast with sufficient warmth, irrigation, and nutrition; slower during cool weather.