How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Strawberry Guava Tree

Strawberry guava trees, or Psidium cattleianum, are easy-growing, edible, and ornamental fruit trees for your backyard. The fruits taste like a sweet and tart strawberry, which gives it its name. Learn to grow them with Kevin Espiritu.

Written by Kevin Espiritu Horticulture review by Sarah Jay Last updated: November 22, 2024 | 10 min read

A close-up shot of the fruits and leaves of a Strawberry guava tree

Contents

Strawberry guava tree is a beautiful, fruit-bearing shrub that is native to South America, specifically Brazil. Closely related to common guava, the plant is an excellent candidate if you want to grow fruits in your backyard. As a landscape plant, strawberry guava has a bit of everything: Deeply-colored foliage, beautiful form, dark, patterned bark, and sweet tasting fruits.

The scientific name is Psidium cattleyanum. The plant is simple to care for and grow. Also known as cattley guava, the tree has a shallow root system, which makes it perfect for growing near your house as an attractive border. Since it’s native to Brazil, it grows best in a tropical climate. However, it is classed as an invasive species in parts of southeastern North America and Hawaii. Check with your extension office before planting it if you’re unsure about its status.

Its dainty white flowers and fresh fruits also qualify these trees as an architectural accent. If you’re looking to attract colorful wildlife to your backyard, consider growing cattley guava. The fruits can be enjoyed as a sweet feast by not only children and guests but also squirrels and birds. Nurturing a red strawberry guava tree is a rewarding experience. Here’s a quick guide on how to grow it in your backyard.

Plant Overview

A close-up shot of fruits of a plant, showcasing its colors, leaves and developing fruits in a well lit area outdoors


Plant Type Fruit tree Family Myrtaceae Genus Psidium Species Psidium cattleyanum	Native Area Brazil and Uruguay Exposure Full sun Height 5’ Watering Requirements Regular	Pests & Diseases Black scale, ants, fruit flies, root-knot nematode, algal leaf spot Maintenance Moderate Soil Type Well-draining, rich, sandy loam Hardiness Zone 9-12

What is a Strawberry Guava Tree?

The strawberry guava tree is a small, evergreen tree or large shrub. It is prized for its glossy green leaves, smooth reddish bark, and fragrant white flowers that give way to small, round fruits resembling guavas. They are drought-tolerant once established and often used in home gardens for their ornamental appeal and delicious fruit.

Native Area

A shot of a branch of a fruit bearing timber showcasing the different colored fruits growing along the branch and its leaves in a well lit area outdoors — The plant is native to Brazil and Uruguay.

The strawberry guava tree is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Brazil, particularly in the Atlantic Forest biome. This region is known for its rich biodiversity and warm, humid climate, which provides the ideal conditions for the tree to thrive. In its native range, strawberry guava is part of the understory vegetation, growing in forests and along riverbanks.

Its adaptability to various conditions, including poor soils, has enabled it to flourish in its home environment. While it remains a valued plant in Brazil for its fruit and ecological role, its ability to grow in diverse climates has led to its spread to other parts of the world, where it sometimes becomes invasive outside its natural habitat. Determine if it is invasive where you live before planting.

Characteristics

A close-up shot of a fruit of a timber, showcasing its red color and lush green leaves in a well lit area outdoors — The evergreen shrub has a shallow root system and can reach a height of 15-20 feet.

Strawberry guava tree has a shallow root system that bears white flowers in spring. Clusters of berries that ripen in the summer follow the beautiful blooms. Once these berries attain a cherry-red color, they’re ready to devour. The fruit tastes like a sweet and tart strawberry.

The strawberry guava tree or bush is very adaptable and can be grown outdoors. Although it typically prefers warmer climates, it is quite hardy in temperatures as low as 22°F (-6°C).

As an evergreen shrub, red strawberry guava tree can reach a height of 15-20 feet, but should ideally be pruned to 12 feet in height, because the root system is relatively shallow and weak. If it gets too tall, it could easily topple over from strong winds.

Varieties

A close-up shot of a variety of a fruit bearing shrub, showcasing the fruit's unique appearance in a well lit area outdoors — The plant is closely related to shrubs of the *Myrtaceae* family.

The strawberry guava tree belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Although it doesn’t have known cultivars, the plant has closely related shrubs from the same family. One such bush is Psidium guajava, also known as common guava or lemon guava. This shrub bears juicy fruit and grows up to 10-15 feet in height.

The plant is frost-tender and native to the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. Although the bush grows to the same height as strawberry guava, it’s not as wide. It’s also not as hardy, either.

Apart from strawberry guava, the other closely related species is Pineapple guava or Feijoa sellowiana. This one has smaller and more succulent tart fruits. They grow wider than tropical guavas and slightly shorter than 12 feet in height. However, the shrub quickly produces a high yield in a short time. Pineapple guavas are known for being the most frost tolerant and are quite hardy to low temperatures.

Planting

Here’s a quick brief on how to plant strawberry guava and what to expect in the weeks post-planting.

Seed Availability

A shot of red colored fruits with one sliced in half and their yellow seeds exposed, all placed on top of a wooden surface in a well lit area — The seeds are readily available at specialty nurseries or online seed companies.

Strawberry guava tree spreads by shoots and seeds – the latter often a work of birds. You can find the yellow seeds at specialty nurseries or online seed companies. Rest assured, strawberry guava seeds are readily available.

Germination Info

To ensure the seeds germinate on time, plant them in moist, sterile soil with a warm temperature of 70-85°F (21-29°C). The estimated germination time is four to six weeks and could also take up to 12 weeks, depending on the quality of the soil and temperature consistency.

When to Plant

An overhead shot of a fruit and leaves of a shrub placed on the soil ground in a well lit area outdoors — Spring is the best time to plant, as the soil is more workable and there are high chances of rain.

Spring is the perfect time to plant a strawberry guava tree. The soil is more workable, there are high chances of rain, and the sun is out most of the time.

Where to Plant

Strawberry guava typically needs a tropical habitat resembling that of Brazil. It can be planted in your garden, outside your house, or as a small tree in your backyard. However, the plants are an invasive species in Florida and native Hawaiian forests, so it’s best to avoid planting in areas you don’t want to be taken over!

How to Plant

A shot of seedlings of a fruit bearing timber showcasing its developing leaves on branches in a well lit area outdoors — Ensure the soil and temperature are consistent.

Since guava seeds can be slightly tricky to germinate, you should keep the soil and temperature consistent. Plant the seeds a quarter to half an inch deep into fertile, loamy soil. The soil temperature should stay between 70-85°F (21-29°C) to ensure successful germination. They can also be grown in in containers.

Strawberry Guava Tree in Landscaping

Strawberry guava is excellent for edible landscaping. Both the fruit and plants can be used as an architectural accent, single-yard specimens, or even as shelter plants. The foliage is so versatile and attractive that it can be used as a backdrop for smaller, more delicate plants and looks gorgeous planted along a driveway. If you have a patio or front porch, embellish the empty spaces with strawberry guava plants.

How to Grow

The plants and fruit are ideal for beautifying your garden. Here’s a breakdown of the plant’s sunlight, watering, and soil needs.

Light

A close-up shot of developing fruits growing along the branch of a timber in a well lit area outdoors — The plant will develop best in full sun.

Strawberry guava can spread fast and grows well in full sun. It can tolerate partial shade, making them versatile for various garden settings, but for optimal growth and fruit production, the tree should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can grow in shadier spots, reduced sunlight may result in slower growth and fewer fruits.

When planting, choose a sunny location protected from strong winds to ensure healthy development and maximize fruit yield.

Water

The tree needs regular, ample watering. Although the plants can tolerate short periods of drought, guava red trees need proper hydration. They need even more water during fruit development so the berries can ripen properly. Regular irrigation at least once a week, once the plant matures, is good enough to maintain healthy growth.

Soil

Strawberry guava tree needs well-drained, loamy to sandy loam with an acidic pH between the ranges of 5 and 7. The soil should also be quite rich in organic matter and slightly warm. Cooler soil temperatures can inhibit the germination of the seeds.

Temperature

A base-view shot of a growing fruit bearing timber showcasing its red fruits along its branches and leaves in a well lit area outdoors — Ideal temperature for the plants will range between 70-85°F.

It grows well in warmer temperatures, typically between 70-85°F (21-29°C). It will thrive in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates. They are relatively frost-sensitive and can suffer damage if exposed to prolonged temperatures below 28°F (-2°C). However, mature trees may withstand brief light frosts better than young ones.

These trees perform best in regions with mild winters and warm summers, as consistent warmth promotes vigorous growth and fruiting. This will include USDA zones 9-12. While they can tolerate occasional temperature fluctuations, extreme cold or prolonged freezing conditions may hinder flowering, fruiting or even cause dieback.

In cooler regions, they can be grown in containers and brought indoors or into greenhouses during winter to ensure year-round health.

Fertilizing

A woman holds a handful of fine, white plant fertilizer granules in her open palm. — Use a high-quality, balanced granular fertilizer for thrice a year.

The plants need fertilizer thrice a year – in summer, spring, and fall. Use a high-quality, balanced, granular citrus fertilizer for the best results.

Maintenance

The gardener uses blue pruning shears to trim away the diseased branches of a tree. — For landscaping, trim off invasive branches or branches that grow outside borders.

Strawberry guava plant naturally stays in shape; however, if you’re planting it for landscaping purposes, a little pruning can go a long way. They have a naturally pretty form. Nonetheless, you can cut off any branches that are invasive or growing outside the borders. Tipping the branches will also mean bushier growth if that’s what you want. The ideal time to prune is in fall, once the fruit season is over.

Propagating

A shot of seedlings of an evergreen shrub showcasing its small and developing leaves and bud in a well lit area outdoors — The plant can be propagated through its seeds or cuttings.

You can propagate by seeds or cuttings.

Start by removing the seeds from the ripe berries. Wash them nicely to get rid of all the pulp around the seeds. In case you’re not planting them right now, you can store them in the fridge or an airtight box.

Using a sharp knife, break the seed’s outer shell, and place them in lukewarm water. Allow soaking for up to one to two days until they appear to double in size.

Now take a seed-starting medium and mix it in water. Take a seed-starting tray that will be used for the propagation and pour the medium into it.

Place a few seeds (two to three) in each cell of the tray and pour over the seed-starting medium. Hydrate with a spritz of water and cover it.

Next, take a heating pad and warm it up. Cover it with a thin muslin cloth or plastic wrap to prevent contact with water. Place the seed-starting tray on the heating pad and set it to low. The temperature and moisture levels of the tray will warm up slowly.

Make sure the temperature remains between the ranges of 75°F and 80°F (21-29°C), with regular misting. Wait for two to eight weeks until the seeds germinate.

Once the seedling grows at least two sets of leaves, transplant them to smaller containers and keep under full but indirect sunlight.

Harvesting

Guava trees typically bloom throughout the year in mild climates. However, the best time is spring. Once the flowers have finished blooming, the fruit properly ripens between 90 and 150 days. If left to ripen on the tree, the fruits develop a better flavor.

The trees continue to grow after transplanting and bear fruit after two to four years. Although the trees can survive as long as 40 years, their fruit production declines after 15 years.

Storage

An overhead shot of freshly harvested fruits showcasing its red skin and ripe appearance, placed on top of a woven wicker tray on a wooden surface in a well lit area — It is best to stow the fruits while its still green, and it can last from 3 to 5 weeks in the refrigerator.

It’s best to store the berries when they are still green. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three to five weeks without rotting. Overripe berries tend to bruise within a few days. To store strawberry guava fruit, wrap it in plastic and keep it in cold storage or a fridge.

The strawberry guava tree has many medical benefits. The plant has potent anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-microbial properties. It is extremely rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, magnesium, and potassium. Its high vitamin C content makes it a powerful disease-fighting plant for a stronger immune system.

Since it has a high fiber content, consuming yellow strawberry guava also regulates bowel movements and helps flush out toxins. Above all, the strawberry guava tree is so nutrient-dense that it is also used for wound healing and to improve the skin’s elasticity. All these benefits are enjoyed by consuming the fruits and seeds of the plant.

Many cultures roast the seeds of the guava strawberry plant and enjoy them as a substitute for coffee.

As aforementioned, the strawberry guava tree has a sweet but slightly tangy flavor, resembling that of strawberries. The guava fruit has a thin skin on top that tastes like rose petals. The fruit has a creamy white interior with small edible seeds. All in all, the fruit is quite aromatic and tastes like a strawberry, lime zest, and sometimes, passionfruit.

The fruit appearance of the strawberry guava tree is quite striking. Once ripe, the fruit turns a rich maroon to dark red. The size of the fruit can be as small as a dime or slightly bigger, like a golf ball. The flesh of guava strawberry is white and yellow with splashes of pinkish-red hues. The seeds are yellow and hard.

Common Problems

The strawberry guava tree is an attractive shrub that requires low maintenance. However, it’s crucial to monitor the growth of the plants and protect them from certain pests and diseases.

Growing Problems

A shot of a growing plant along with its developing fruits on its branches and leaves in a well lit area outdoors — Ensure that pruning is done as the plant is an invasive species.

Although the shrub is easy to care for, it is an invasive species, meaning it will spread quickly if not pruned in time. It’s important to cut any invasive branches as well as dead stems. It’s also essential to keep it under full sun and grow in warm soil. Not doing so can prolong the germination period.

Pests

A close-up of fig roots reveals entwined tendrils hosting root-knot nematodes, their slender bodies intertwining amidst the fibrous network. In the blurred backdrop, lush greenery hints at the vitality of the ecosystem, a symbiotic dance of growth and predation. — The fruits are susceptible to fruit flies, black scale, ants and root-knot nematodes.

The berries are vulnerable to fruit flies, black scale, ants, and root-knot nematode. If growing in a container, the best way to prevent fruit flies is by covering the potting soil with a layer of aquarium gravel or coarse sand.

By covering, you’ll keep the flies from laying their eggs on the topsoil and newly hatched larvae from coming up. Black scale infestation can be controlled by regularly pruning a few branches to increase airflow and encourage more sunlight for the lower limbs.

Pruning will dry up the leaves and control black scale. Manage ants by setting natural traps made with boric acid and sugar water. The solution will keep them from climbing up the tree.

Although root-knot nematodes aren’t that common, trees grown in sandy soil are vulnerable to these pests. They can damage the fruit and are hard to control. The best way to prevent them is to ensure optimal growth conditions and regular irrigation and fertilizer to keep the trees vigorous and keep the pests at bay.

Diseases

Algal leaf rot on leaves and fruits presents as irregular, dark brown lesions with a slimy, moist texture, surrounded by a yellowish halo. — Algal leaf spot is common for the plants and proper soil drainage and hydration can prevent it.

Strawberry guava plants can catch algal leaf spot. The best prevention method is proper soil drainage, regular hydration, and of course, a high-quality fertilizer. Pruning the plants with sharp pruning shears will also improve air circulation, while ample sunlight will control humidity levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

It takes two to four years for the tree to bear fruit.

These trees can reach a height of up to 15-20 feet.

They are! They taste like regular guava fruit.

The strawberry guava tree is an invasive species in Florida and in native Hawaiian forests. In these environments, the trees form dense thickets where they crowd out native plants.

You’ll want to plant your tree in a warm area with well-draining, rich soil, and full sun. This could be in the ground or in a container.

Harvest from your tree as often as possible, and remove the fruits at the end of the season to keep the tree in check.

While they can, they don’t do well in cold areas. Therefore provide protection for in-ground trees in snap freezes.

The strawberry guava tree will only reproduce via cross-pollination of a male and female tree. Two trees are necessary.