Product details
Product Overview
Psidium Cattleyanum Strawberry Guava is a highly productive and ornamental tropical fruit tree prized for its small, sweet, strawberry-flavoured fruit and glossy evergreen foliage. Well suited to warm Australian climates, it is an excellent choice for home gardens, edible landscapes, hedging, and large containers.
Growth:
Psidium Cattleyanum Strawberry Guava is a compact evergreen tree or large shrub, typically growing 2 to 4 metres in height. It forms a dense, bushy canopy with glossy dark green leaves. The fruit are small and round, usually 2 to 5 centimetres across, with smooth red skin and soft, aromatic flesh that is sweet and juicy.
Light Requirements:
This guava performs best in full sun for maximum growth and fruit production. It will tolerate partial shade but fruiting may be reduced.
Soil Requirements:
Strawberry Guava prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types including sandy and loamy soils. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal. Good drainage is essential to prevent root problems.
Water Requirements:
Water regularly during establishment and during flowering and fruit development. Once established, the tree is moderately drought tolerant, though consistent moisture will improve fruit size and yield. Mulching is recommended to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Frost Tolerance:
Young plants are frost sensitive and should be protected during cold conditions. Mature trees can tolerate light frost but may suffer damage in heavy or prolonged frost.
Drought Tolerance:
Once established, Strawberry Guava has good drought tolerance. Prolonged dry conditions can reduce fruit quality and yield, so supplementary watering during extended dry periods is beneficial.
Flowering and Fruiting Information:
Flowering occurs in spring, producing small white blossoms. Fruit develops through the warmer months and ripens from late summer into autumn. The ripe fruit have bright red skin and sweet, fragrant flesh with a distinctive strawberry-like flavour. Fruit can be eaten fresh or used for jams, desserts, and preserves.
Pollinators:
Strawberry Guava is self-pollinating, meaning a single tree is capable of producing fruit. Planting additional trees may improve overall yield.
Spacing Requirements:
Space plants 3 to 4 metres apart to allow for mature canopy spread, airflow, and ease of maintenance.
Fertiliser Requirements:
Apply a balanced fertiliser during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit development. Organic compost or aged manure improves soil structure and nutrient availability. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce flowering and fruiting.
Care and Maintenance:
Prune lightly to maintain shape, control size, and remove dead or overcrowded branches. Mulch year-round to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly if required.
