Tropical Guava


November 14, 2006, drizzle

The tropical guava fruits are beginning to ripen now. I have 4 plants, a Mexican guava (lower photo), a Vietnamese guava (upper photo), a pink tropical guava bought at Home Deport and a seedling from a friend. They all have fruits hanging now. I can usually pick one or two ripe fruits each day. The peak time for guava harvesting will probably come in 2 or 3 weeks. There are several clues to tell if a guava is ready for harvest. The color of a fruit changes from green to pale yellow, the fruit becomes soft to touch and the fruit emits a very pleasant guava fragrance. The Vietnamese guava is an exception. It does not become soft or fragrant and is valued for its crunchiness. I usually pick the guava, let it soften further for a few days enjoying its fragrance. The fragrance is very pungent and strong. A couple of ripe guava can fill a room with their fragrance. I eat guava out of hand and devour the whole fruit, skin and seeds included. The guava meat is creamy in texture and very soft in the core which is surrounded by a circle of small seeds. The taste is mildly sweet with a unique flavor and sub-acid taste if not fully ripe . Guava also makes a very thick and flavorful juice or shake.

Guava is drought tolerant, although it will fruit better with irrigation. It seems quite easy to care. It flowers almost year round except for the winter months. Therefore, the fruit ripens at a prolonged period of time. It is also very productive and produces fruits early. Typically, the tree or bush will have a few fruit the first year (from a 5-gallon pot) and have hundreds of fruit next year that should be thinned. In San Diego, the peak month for harvest is usually late November. Mealy bugs may be a problem from time to time. However, a few sprays with soapy water seem to take care of the pests. Also, a good pruning each year lessens the mealy bugs as they seem to infest only the branches weakened by lack of sun light or air circulation from over-crowding. I heard that there is a red guava with red skin that should be something interesting to grow.

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