Strawberry Guava
Psidium cattleianumfam. Myrtaceae
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Pl. 04C1 — Psidium cattleianum
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IOverview
Overview
Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum), a small tree or shrub native to Mauritius, is known for its edible fruit. This plant thrives in full sun and can adapt to various soil types, including light (sandy) and medium soils, making it versatile in diverse environments. It grows up to 6 meters tall with a spread of about 1 meter, and its fruit offers a unique blend of strawberry and guava flavors. The plant's ability to grow well in diverse conditions makes it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. While primarily known for its fruit, Strawberry Guava can also serve as an essential oil source, animal feed, and a hedgerow or windbreak. However, it has potential as a weed in certain contexts. The fruit is the main edible part, and the plant is hardy in zones 9-12.
Quick answers
What is Strawberry Guava?
Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum), a small tree or shrub native to Mauritius, is known for its edible fruit. This plant thrives in full sun and can adapt to various soil types, including light (sandy) and medium soils, making it versatile in diverse environments.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Strawberry Guava thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is light and sandy to medium in texture. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular moisture, especially during fruiting. This plant is hardy in zones 9-12, making it suitable for warmer climates. It can grow up to 6 meters tall and 1 meter wide, and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages fruit production.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
9-12
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
6.0 m × 1 m
For first-time growers
How to grow Strawberry Guava for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Strawberry Guava to enjoy its fruit and learn about basic gardening.
- 1
What you'll need
Strawberry Guava saplings, potting mix, container or garden bed, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for containers or garden beds.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings directly into the prepared soil, ensuring they are planted at the same depth as in their container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days after planting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering, especially during dry periods. Fertilize lightly once a year in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to shape the plant and remove dead branches. Harvest fruit when they turn red and are slightly soft.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:Essential OilAnimal feedHedgerowWind breaker
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 1 native
Africa1 region
native (1)Mauritius
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Myrtaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Myrtaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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