Growing Strawberry/Cherry Guava
Strawberry guava is a native of Brazil. It is an evergreen shrub. The leaves of strawberry guava look different from the usual guava.
It also tolerates a wide range of soil pH. Though fruits are best in full sun, they can also be managed in light shade. Seedlings can take 2-4 years to mature, while layer plants usually fruit in a year.
The tree itself is usually small, seldom reaches 5 metres tall. It has dark green leaves that are glossy and leathery. The tree produces small, white, fragrant flowers that bloom in spring and summer, followed by the fruits in autumn and winter.
Strawberry guava is well suited to be grown in a container. Hence it is ideal for terrace gardens.
Strawberry Guava Fruit
The strawberry guava is a round fruit about 3 cm in diameter and has a thin, edible skin that ranges from yellow to red.
When the fruits are small, they resemble those of a regular guava. But this one does grow big. When ripe, it turns a dark red or yellow colour. Strawberry guava fruits in large numbers. It can grow in a variety of altitudes.
The fruit has a taste similar to that of a normal guava but with a strawberry tinge. The flesh is also edible and has a pink colour with small, edible seeds.
The fruit is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients, which makes it a popular ingredient for shakes, jams etc.
- Maturity period: 1-2 years
- Fruiting season: Throughout the year, with peak seasons in summer and winter
- Growing in containers: Well Suited
- Ease of growing: Easy