Red Guava (Psidium guajava) 

Air layered plant ready to be repotted. With the right conditions it should flower this summer.

The L46 Arka Kiran Red Guava is extremely special. This guava is not only delicious but also a cold tolerant variety to 4c. The fruit is medium to large with rounder shape, a semi smooth skin. The special thing about the L46 is that the aromatic guava smells intensify after they have been picked. They texture of the fruit is similar to a pear they just absolutely beautiful fruit. L46 is number one choice for commercial grower in India and Sri Lanka. 

The ripe L46 guava can be halved and eaten from the shell or sliced and combined with other fruit. Guava can be pureed and made into sauces, sorbets, and mousses, or cooked down into a firm paste and sliced. It can be made into jellies, jams, and preserves. Guava can also be juiced.

Caution:
From 1 September 2022, it is not permitted to propagate, distribute, release or sell guava plants within the Auckland region. Exceptions apply if you are transferring an existing plant on your land to another location within the boundaries of the same property. As a result, all of our guava plants are being shipped from our nursery in Northland and we will not be able to sell or deliver the plant to addresses in the Auckland region.

Plant Care

• Soil: Guava trees prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They thrive in a range of soil types from clay to sandy loam, with an ideal pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
• Watering: Regular and consistent watering is important, especially during the warm growing season, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Guava trees are somewhat drought-tolerant once established but perform best with adequate moisture.
• Temperature: Guavas thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, with optimal temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C. They can tolerate brief cold spells, but temperatures below -3°C can cause damage to the plant.
• Light: Full sun is crucial for guava trees to produce fruit abundantly. They need at least six hours of sunlight daily to flourish.
• Fertilising: Fertilize guava trees every two months during the growing season with a balanced NPK fertilizer, such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. Additional applications of compost or manure can enrich the soil and boost fruit production.
• Pruning: Prune guava trees annually to remove dead or diseased branches, to shape the tree, and to promote healthier, more manageable growth. Pruning is also necessary to enhance air circulation within the canopy, which can help prevent fungal diseases.
• Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
• Pest Control: Guava trees are susceptible to pests such as guava fruit fly, mealybugs, and guava scale. Regular inspections and appropriate treatments, including biological control and insecticidal sprays, are necessary to manage these pests.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Guava trees flower and fruit prolifically once they are established. Flowers are white and sweetly scented, leading to round to pear-shaped fruits that can vary in color from yellow to pink or red. Fruits generally mature 3 to 4 months after flowering.
• Potting: Guavas can be grown in large containers where space is limited or in regions where they need to be moved indoors during colder months. Ensure the container has good drainage and use a potting mix designed for fruit trees.
• Feeding Regime: In addition to regular NPK fertilization, applying a layer of compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the tree in spring can provide a slow-release nutrient boost that supports growth and fruiting throughout the season.