The largest producer of guava is India, and they are also grown widely in the
USA, Mexico, Pakistan, Colombia and Egypt.
The fruit contains variable amounts of Vitamin C, ranging from 23–492 mg/100 g,
according to the variety and the growing conditions. Fruits also contain about 5%
total sugars (glucose and fructose) and useful amounts of iron, calcium, phosphorus
and Vitamin A and B.
The following description applies to the Common Guava,Psidium guajava.
There are a few other species of Psidium which have edible fruit, the most important
which has two types, one with bright yellow fruit and the other with reddish purple
fruit; often grown as a garden plant, but not important commercially.
There are dozens of other Psidium species, including the Guisaro, Cás, and the
Brazilian Guava, each with many local names and synonyms. This topic is well
documented online at: http://www.plantnames.unimelb.edu.au.
The Pineapple Guava (the Feijoa or Guavasteen),Feijoa sellowiana, is a
native of cooler parts of southern South America, sometimes cultivated for its fruit.
(Spanish).
The Common Guava Psidium guajava plant is a shrub or small tree, 3–10 m tall,
with many branches produced close to the ground, and a shallow root system. The
guavas are members of the myrtle family Myrtaceae, which grow almost exclusively
in hot and rather dry regions.
About 35% of the flowers are cross-pollinated by insects, the other 65% are self-
pollinated. The fruits are very variable in size (2–8 cm) and flavour, and all have a
characteristic musky smell, which normally disappears when they are cooked.
A wide range of improved, named varieties are available in a number of
countries.
PLANTING
Propagation: can be done by seed, though this produces variable and unpredictable
results and so vegetative reproduction is preferable. Veneer grafting, using young
vigorously growing plants as rootstocks, is the preferred method.
Germination: seeds remain viable for about a year; germination takes 2–3 weeks.
Soil: guava adapts to a wide range, including poor, acidic soils and even tolerates
some waterlogging. It responds well to fertiliser, especially Nitrogen—an 8:8:8
compound is often used.
Spacing: often grown as single, backyard plants. Ideally, about 5–7 metres apart, in
squares.
GROWTH CONDITIONS
Growth period: the first fruits appear in about two years, the production increasing
for about six to eight more years. Trees can continue producing fruit for 30 years or
more.
Temperature: guava trees are susceptible to frost. They prefer warm weather and
can tolerate extreme heat.
of which is the Strawberry Guava (or Cattley),P. cattleianum (syn. P. littorale),
GROWING FOOD – THE FOOD PRODUCTION HANDBOOK 257
Aka Goiaba do Campo & Goiaberra Serrana (Portuguese), or Guayaba Chilena