Overview

Embark on a delightful gardening journey with our cherry guava live plant, a fantastic addition for both seasoned gardeners and enthusiastic beginners. This particular specimen arrives in a robust 4in pot, perfectly sized for immediate planting or transplanting into a larger container. The cherry guava, scientifically known as Psidium cattleianum, is a highly prized tropical fruit tree celebrated for its small, flavorful fruits that burst with a sweet and tangy taste, reminiscent of a strawberry-guava hybrid. Often referred to as strawberry guava or Cattley guava, this resilient plant is not only a source of delicious edible fruits but also boasts attractive glossy green foliage, making it an ornamental asset to any landscape. Growing a cherry guava live plant allows you to enjoy fresh, organic fruit right from your backyard or balcony, offering a unique culinary experience and a touch of the tropics.

Originating from Brazil, the cherry guava is a versatile plant that can thrive in various climates, provided it receives adequate care. It can be grown as a shrub or small tree, reaching manageable sizes that are suitable for container gardening, especially in regions with colder winters where it can be brought indoors. Beyond its fruit, the plant produces charming white flowers that add to its aesthetic appeal. Our cherry guava live plant is carefully nurtured to ensure it arrives healthy and ready to flourish in its new home, promising years of beauty and bountiful harvests. Discover the joy of cultivating your own exotic fruit with this exceptional plant.

Key Benefits

Integrating a cherry guava live plant into your garden or home offers a multitude of benefits, combining aesthetic appeal with practical utility. This tropical gem is more than just a fruit producer; it’s a statement of style and a source of natural goodness.

• Delicious Edible Fruit: The primary allure of the cherry guava live plant is its incredibly tasty fruit. Small, round, and typically red or yellow when ripe, these guavas offer a unique sweet and tart flavor profile that is excellent for fresh eating, desserts, jams, and juices.
• Ornamental Value: With its attractive, glossy, dark green leaves and sometimes reddish bark, the cherry guava makes a beautiful landscape plant. It can be pruned into a dense hedge, a small tree, or kept as a compact shrub, adding a lush, tropical feel to any setting.
• Adaptable Growth: This plant is surprisingly adaptable and can thrive in a range of conditions. While it prefers warm climates, it can tolerate mild frosts and is an excellent candidate for container growing, allowing it to be moved indoors during colder months.
• Relatively Low Maintenance: Once established, the cherry guava is a robust and relatively easy-to-care-for plant. It doesn’t demand constant attention, making it suitable for gardeners who appreciate a rewarding plant without excessive fuss.
• Rich in Nutrients: Cherry guavas are packed with vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet. Growing your own ensures you have access to fresh, nutrient-dense fruit free from pesticides.
• Attracts Pollinators: The white, fragrant flowers of the cherry guava attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to your garden, contributing to local biodiversity and potentially aiding in the pollination of other plants.
• Versatile Use: Whether you’re looking for a specimen plant, a privacy screen, or a productive fruit tree for your patio, this plant fits various needs. Learning how to grow cherry guava can enhance your gardening skills and provide a consistent supply of exotic fruit.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your cherry guava live plant is a rewarding experience that ensures a healthy, productive tree. Understanding its basic needs is key to its success, whether you’re growing it in a container or directly in the ground. For optimal growth, the cherry guava thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, especially if you want abundant fruiting. In extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch. When it comes to watering, consistent moisture is crucial, particularly during dry spells and while the plant is establishing. However, it’s vital to avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, then water deeply. The frequency will depend on your climate, soil type, and whether the plant is in a pot.

The right soil composition is fundamental for a thriving cherry guava live plant. It prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.0-7.0) that is rich in organic matter. Amending heavy clay soils with compost or sand can improve drainage, while sandy soils will benefit from added organic material to improve water retention. Fertilize your cherry guava tree with a balanced slow-release fertilizer designed for fruit trees or an all-purpose granular fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring through fall). Reduce or cease fertilization during winter. Pruning is beneficial for shaping the plant, encouraging bushier growth, and improving fruit production. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and thin out overcrowded areas to improve air circulation. While generally hardy, keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or scale insects, and treat them with organic insecticidal soap if necessary. Protecting young plants from strong winds can also be beneficial. Understanding these details is crucial for cherry guava plant care.

Size & Details

This offering features a vibrant cherry guava live plant, meticulously nurtured and delivered in a 4in pot. At this stage, the plant typically stands approximately 6-12 inches tall, providing a robust young specimen ready for transplanting. While relatively small upon arrival, the cherry guava is a fast-growing plant that can quickly establish itself and begin producing fruit. When mature, a cherry guava tree can reach heights of 10-15 feet as a tree or be maintained as a smaller shrub, around 5-8 feet tall, through regular pruning, making it versatile for various garden sizes and container growing. It typically begins fruiting within 2-3 years, offering a continuous harvest throughout its productive season. The plant ships as a well-rooted live plant in its nursery container, ensuring minimal stress during transit and a smooth transition to your garden. Expect healthy foliage and a strong root system, setting the foundation for a prolific and attractive fruit-bearing plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: This cherry guava live plant arrives in a 4in pot and is typically 6-12 inches tall. When mature, it can reach 10-15 feet if grown as a tree, or be kept smaller, around 5-8 feet, with regular pruning as a shrub. Its size is quite adaptable to its environment and care.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The cherry guava live plant can be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 9-11. In colder climates, it’s best grown in a container and brought indoors during winter, making it a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: A cherry guava tree prefers full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production. It can tolerate partial shade, but fruiting may be less abundant.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the cherry guava live plant is considered relatively easy to care for once established. It requires consistent watering, well-draining soil, and occasional fertilization. It’s a good choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your cherry guava live plant will arrive as a healthy, well-rooted specimen in its 4in nursery pot, carefully packaged to minimize stress during shipping and ensure it’s ready to thrive.
• Q: Can I use cherry guava in cooking? A: Absolutely! The sweet and tangy fruits of the cherry guava tree are delicious fresh, and can also be used in jams, jellies, pies, sauces, and tropical beverages. They are a versatile culinary ingredient.
• Q: How long until it blooms and fruits? A: Typically, a young cherry guava live plant will start to bloom and produce fruit within 2-3 years of planting. With proper care, you can expect a good harvest once it matures.
• Q: What’s the minimum temperature it can tolerate? A: The cherry guava plant care guide suggests it can tolerate temperatures down to about 25-28°F (-4 to -2°C) for short periods. For sustained cold, it’s best to protect it or bring it indoors.
• Q: Is it shipped in soil? A: Yes, the cherry guava live plant is shipped in its original nursery pot with soil, ensuring its roots remain undisturbed and hydrated during transit.
• Q: Does this plant attract pests? A: While generally robust, like most plants, it can occasionally attract common garden pests such as aphids or scale. Regular inspection and appropriate organic treatments can keep these at bay.