How to Grow Guava in Australia
A warm-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing your own Guava is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$5-10/week, trees produce prolifically and fruit is expensive when in season.
This guide covers when to plant Guava in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Guava is a warm-season crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Hawaiian (Pineapple Guava)
Large yellow fruit, pink flesh, pineapple-like flavour. Heavy cropper. Not weedy like common guava.
Try: Daleys Fruit, specialty nurseries
Strawberry Guava (Cherry Guava)
Small red cherry-sized fruit, strawberry flavour. Compact bushy tree, good in pots. Non-weedy form.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Bunnings
Position and Soil
Give Guava full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It can be container-grown in 50cm+ (dwarf varieties), though it is happier in the ground.
Planting
Plant Guava into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 400 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Thrives in SEQ heat. The common guava is a declared weed in QLD (bird-spread), choose non-weedy cultivars like pineapple or strawberry guava. Net against fruit fly.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 10 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Fruit fly. The main diseases to watch are Anthracnose. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Guava is typically ready to harvest within roughly 18 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Bench until ripe (fragrant, slightly soft), then fridge for 3 to 4 days.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, guava is good eaten fresh with a sprinkle of chilli salt, blended into tropical smoothies and juices, made into guava paste or jelly and used in chutneys with ginger. Nutritionally: extremely high in vitamin C and good source of fibre and minerals.
Track Your Guava Growing
Add guava to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Guava in Australia?
Guava is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Guava take to grow?
Guava is generally ready to harvest within roughly 18 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
How much sun does Guava need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Guava in the Plant Library
