How to Grow Guava from Seed Benefits, Types & Disease

How to Grow Guava from Seed, is highly preferable due to its delicious taste and sweet smell is not only a tasty fruit but a nutrient-rich one.

Propagation by seed is just perfect for any gardening enthusiast, especially for planting guava because it takes the excitement of having a plant right from a seed.

But how do you go about it? In the previous part let us analyze it in detail, taking one part at a time.

Overview of Guava and Its Benefits

How to Grow Guava from Seed is not only an exotic fruit to enhances the taste buds but contains several nutrients and has various health benefits.

Fruit that’s fresh and sweet and slightly tangy in taste, guava is eaten raw, and used in juices or in making desserts.

Not only is guava delicious, but it is also a powerhouse in terms of nutrition. Guava is also loaded with vitamin C which makes it easier to boost your immunity and easily avoid compromised health by common flu and infections.

Not only that, it is also a rich source of dietary fiber that is good for the gut. The presence of antioxidants in guava fruit assists you in overcoming the impact of oxidative stress and related diseases.

In addition, more studies done on guava have demonstrated that it plays a vital role in enhancing heart function and decreasing blood glucose levels.

While gardening may not interest everyone, it can be very fulfilling to learn how to grow guava from seed.

Not only do you get to be present during germination, but you’ll even get to eat your own grown guavas and that makes gardening even more rewarding!

Types of Guava

But when it comes to flavoring with guava, there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing.

Growing of guava varies and several types of guava with different tastes, texture, and utility are available. Here are some of the most popular varieties you might consider growing:

Common Guava (Psidium guajava): This is the most common variant with somewhat sweet juicy meat and an exciting smell.

Green or yellow when ripened, common guavas have sweet to subacid pulp with a vinous, musky, and strong smell. They’re perfect for eating fresh or using in smoothies and desserts.

Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum): Also smaller and brighter in color, strawberry guavas can be red or yellow with a sweet and aromatic taste nearly like that of strawberries. These are ideal for preparing jams or jellies and may also be eaten raw.

Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana): Pineapple guava is also a member of the Myrtle family but not as close a relative to guava as true guarana.

It has a rather sweet and sour taste that somewhat resembles pineapple and mint. It is best when eaten as a raw vegetable, with its flowers being also used as food, giving added value to salads.

Yellow Guava: This variety develops bright yellow rough skin and sweet and aromatic pulp. This is especially common in tropical continents and is commonly included in juices and desserts.

Nutritional Benefits

How to Grow Guava from Seed, though an exotic fruit is a great source of nutrition and is helpful in curing various diseases. Here’s why you should consider adding guava to your diet:

Rich in Vitamin C: How to Grow Guava from Seed is a rich source of vitamin C but, believe it or not, guava contains even more vitamin C than an orange!

This important nutrient can help strengthen your immunity, prevent infection, and keep your skin smooth. One guava has a vitamin C value of more than double the recommended dietary allowance.

High in Fiber: This fruit has a very high fiber density among other things that make it a wonderful fruit.

Fiber is necessary for digestive health, reduces the chances of constipation, and maintains a healthy digestive system. Consumption of guava fruits serves a big function in ensuring proper digestion.

Antioxidant Properties: Flavonoids and carotenoids are found in abundance in guavas. These compounds assist in managing oxidative stress in the body and may prevent chronic diseases such as coronary disease and cancer.

Supports Heart Health: The flavonoids in the fruit lower cholesterol levels and also alleviate problems related to the heart. Due to its high potassium content, it assists in controlling blood pressure, which makes it a good fruit for a heart patient.

Aids Weight Management: Being low in calories and rich in fiber, guava is particularly suitable for people who are trying to shed those extra pounds.

The fiber enables you to eat a lesser quantity of food, thereby avoiding the case where you would take a lot of food in between meals.

May Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels: A number of researchers say that this fruit is ideal for diabetics given that it aids in the management of blood sugar.

The fiber assists in reducing the rate of sugar digestion to avoid an instant rise in blood glucose levels.

When you master the process of growing guava from seed it’s not just growing a plant outdoors but a plant that has numerous health benefits!

Choosing the Right Guava Fruit

How to Grow Guava from Seed, therefore, it is crucial to choose the right guava fruit. Here’s how to choose a quality guava that will yield the best seeds for planting:

Look for Ripe Fruits: Select ripe guavas as these are richer in vitamin C compared to young fruits.

Eminently ready fruit is yellow or the outer layer transforms slightly tender to the extent that it tastes sweet and contains several seeds.

Do not take fruits that are very hard or have bruises or other discoloration on their surface area.

Opt for Organic Guavas: If possible, buy organic guavas. Non-organic fruits may have been sprayed with chemicals that may have an influence on the germination of the seed. Organic fruits will most probably provide healthy seeds that can be used for planting.

Check the Variety: It is helpful to learn about the various kinds of guava available in the market. If you use a particular variety in mind, making sure you’re choosing that certain form is crucial.

The particularity attached to each of the varieties is that they present growing and flavor specificities.

Consider the Season: The fruits from Guava trees ripen and are ready to harvest during late summer up to early fall depending on the region.

Obesity predicts that fruits that mature at a particular time should be harvested at that particular time of the year.

Taste Test: In the event, you can try the guava first before you buy it. If the seed is encased in a tasty sweet fruit then the plant will be tasty as well.

Follow this up by chewing the seeds a little, and if you like the taste, then there will certainly be a desire to grow more of the same kind of flowers.

So, if you want to learn how to grow guava from seed, then to start with this step, you should choose the right guava fruit. Good seeds result in healthy plants and better fruit yield in the future.

Harvesting Seeds

When you are done selecting the best guava then it is time for seed harvesting. Here’s a straightforward process to ensure you get the best seeds for growing guava from seed:

Slice the Guava: First, wash the ripe guava and then chop it into two halves. It is also possible to make a long clean cut all the way through the middle using a knife.

This will splay out the seeds which are hidden inside the fruits. Scoop Out the Seeds: Take a spoon and carefully scoop out the seeds from the flesh part of the ripened guava.

Be very careful to avoid crushing the seeds as you transfer them to another container. The seeds are generally small, and nearly round, and the surface is most often shiny.

Clean the Seeds: Wash the harvested seeds with warm water so that any pulp or any sticky substance can be washed off. This step is important because during germination fruit that remains uneaten can cause mold.

You can also use your fingers gently to make those areas where the fruit seems to stick a bit more to the peel to release it.

Dry the Seeds: Once done, spread the seeds in a tray with a piece of newspaper, a paper towel, or an empty, clean plate. Let them sit for a few hours or preferably overnight to lock in the moisture and get a good crust.

It is also important to ensure that they do not have moisture on them when storing or planting because they can easily rot.

Store Properly (if needed): If you cannot plant the seeds right away it is best placed in a cool and dry area.

Actually, a paper envelope or even a small container is quite suitable for short-term storage.

Remember to attach the date and the type of guava to it for future use. By following these steps on how to harvest seeds you will be on the right path to learning.

How to grow guava from seeds. Viable seeds are the key to a profuse yield, which is why your gardening is important.

Preparing Seeds for Germination

So, now that you have your guava seeds collected and washed it is time to ready it for planting.

It also emphasizes the capacity to prepare all necessary requirements for further sales growth. Here’s how to get your seeds ready:

Soaking the Seeds: This should follow the seeds undergoing washing and cleaning, Once you have washed and cleaned the seeds, immerse them in water for about 24 hours.

This assists in reducing the hardness of the seed coat so that seeds can easily germinate. Do not use boiling water on the seeds to avoid causing severe thermal stress to the susceptible seeds.

Drying the Seeds Again: When washed, throw the seeds in a colander and let them rest for a few minutes before drying them with a piece of paper.

This olds by preventing mold during the germination process. The important thing here is to make sure they are not wet but neither are they absolutely dried up.

Scarification (optional): There are some gardeners that advocate the scarification of guava seeds, after which the seed coat is lightly cut with a file or knife.

This step can improve the germination percentage as water can easily get in any layer of the seed. Take care not to crush the seed inside.

Choosing a Germination Medium: Choose a mode of germination. One option is to sow in seed trays with a sterile planting media, however small pots may also be used.

The medium selected must therefore be of moderate weight and preferably composed of materials that provide good drainage with added organic components to ensure favorable growth of the plant.

Moistening the Medium: Water the germination medium lightly, before sowing the seeds. They should not be dripping wet, but not extremely wet as well.

This moisture will aid in the germination process without overwetting the seeds to the point they sink to the bottom.

Planting the Seeds: Bury these seeds up to half an inch in your prepared growing medium.

Plant them with several inches between each for the plant to be allowed to breathe. Coat them lightly with soil and slightly compact them so that there will be proper adherence to the growing medium.

Staging your guava seeds for planting prepares you for a successful germination process to take place.

These are the following steps, you are prepared to see those seeds germinating and developing into healthy Guava plants.

Germination Process

After you have the seeds you need to follow the steps below to germinate the guava seeds you have prepared.

This is the critical stage in nurturing your plant because only the best will sprout when the seeds are being sowed. Here’s how to create the ideal conditions for germination:

Ideal Conditions for Germination: The seeds of this fruit ripen in warm and humid climate conditions.

The optimum pH and temperature of growth for this organism is at a range of 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). You can then use a seedling heat mat if you find the temperature dropping and requires consistent heat.

Humidity: Humidity is very important in germination and therefore, it must be maintained.

You can also use a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap on the seed trays or pots to form a glass house condition. This retains water content and aids in preventing the seeds from getting dry.

Light Exposure: In its natural state, guava seeds don’t germinate in direct sunlight but they need some light.

Try and put your seed trays where they are warm and well-lit but not exposed to direct sunlight which could make the seeds too hot.

Gardens that receive a small portion of sunlight are ideal, but partial and dappled shade will do just fine.

Watering: It is important to maintain the moisture in the germination medium but not drown the seed in water.

Examine the moisture level daily and, if it is dry, spray water on the surface of the soil. Take care not to overwater your plant as this may cause mold or rotting of the base of your plant.

Timing: Be patient! Guava seeds normally require between 2 and 4 weeks to sprout, but depending upon the method and type of guava being grown, this might fluctuate.

This is the appropriate time to watch the conditions and control for any parameter before the sprouting of the seeds occurs.

When you get the right conditions during the germination stage, you pave the way for how to grow guava from seed successfully.

It makes you almost feel like harvesting fresh guavas from your own garden which makes it a very fulfilling process to watch those tiny seedlings grow.

Transplanting Seedlings

After the germination of guava seeds and the growth of seedlings with a few sets of leaves to about 4 inches high, it is the right time to transfer them to new pots or holes in the garden.

Here’s how to do it effectively: When to Transplant: The ideal time for transplanting guava seedling is when it is capable of producing several sets of true leaves.

This usually happens when plants are between 4 to 6 weeks old after germinating. Should your transplanting take place in an exposed area, ensure you wait until there is no more frost during the planting season.

Preparing the New Environment: Select a field on the southeastern exposure or simply put the guava plants in pots in a sunny garden.

When planting directly into the ground, make sure that the soil is well drained and contains lots of organic material. If using pots, then the best ones should be at least 6 to 8 inches deep.

Gently Remove the Seedlings: When you are ready to transplant, you should very gingerly transfer the seedlings from their trays or pots.

This means that they should be handled by the leaves and not the stem to prevent this damage. However, if the seedlings are compacted; then use a small planting tool to carefully cultivate between the seedlings.

Planting Depth: Transplant each seedling in the new pot or garden hole, putting it at the same level as it was in the original container.

Replace the soil in the hole and firm it up to remove any air in the hole, then tap the sides of the hole to settle the soil.

Watering After Transplanting: Water the seedlings well after transplanting or when the soil is dry and water less often as needed.

It also has the effect of stabilizing the soil around the roots and giving the moisture they require to acclimatize themselves. Maintain the same level of watering the soil but be careful not to overwater it.

When transplanting outside, you should harden off your seedlings to get them ready for outdoor conditions.

Put them for a fixed amount of time and then gradually increase the time in outdoor conditions within a week’s time.

It also goes a long way in reducing transplant shock. Transplanting your guava seedlings is an interesting process when considering how to grow guava from seed.

If well taken care of, these young plants will grow and fruit in due season to give you your much-needed fruits.

Soil Requirements

The type of soil that is chosen for the growth of guava plants plays a critical role in whether or not the plants will thrive. Here’s how to ensure your soil meets the needs of your guava seedlings:

Best Soil Mix for Guava: How to Grow Guava from Seed Plants Only requires well-draining but not sandy soil that should allow some moisture content to be held so that the plants do not stand in water all the time.

A good mix to use is one that is made of one part potting soil mixed with one part sand and one part perlite. This shall facilitate aeration and drainage and at the same time provide the nutrients the plant deserves.

Importance of Drainage: Drainage is important to guava plants because the plants do not like to be soggy and wet and this causes root rot.

Make sure that if you are planting in pots, the pots you’re using have drainage holes. If planting is in the ground then structured soil or compost should be applied for better growth of the plant.

pH Level: Soil for growing guavas should have a slightly acidic to neutral reaction and the soil pH should range between 6-7.

You can easily conduct some tests to check the PH of your soil and make corrections where necessary. Lime content will increase the pH of the soil while sulfur will decrease it.

Nutrient-rich soil: Mix into the soil, compost, well-rotted dung, and other organic matter. It also introduces nutrients and enhances the fertilizer content of the soil.

Frequently, it is needed to monitor the nutrient status of the soil in which your guava plants are growing so that they will stay healthy all the time.

Soil Temperature: As for the temperature you can expect, the best one for the germination of guava seedlings is 21 C to 29 C or 70 F to 85 F.

If you are growing in a cold climate then use a plastic cover to protect plants against the cold during the initial stages of growth.

Therefore I would urge you to do the following so as to improve the chances of germinating guava from seed You would then give the seeds the right soil environment. Healthy soils keep plants healthy and we get better produce in the future!

Watering Guidelines

Irrigation is important in the process of raising guava from a seed and the right information would go a long way to determine the health of your crops. Here are some essential watering guidelines to follow:

Initial Watering After Planting: After planting your guava seedlings always water them immediately after you are done with the planting process.

This assists in redistributing soil around the roots and gives the plant’s root ball an initial drink. Make sure that the water does not ooze out at the base of the plant and that the plant can drain well.

Establishing a Watering Schedule: How to Grow Guava from Seed Plants mainly thrive in an environment that requires consistent moisture supply to the soil, but they are not suited for waterlogged conditions.

The best sign of water is when the soil layer on the surface feels dry to the touch of your finger. If the weather is hot and dry, for instance, you might have to water your garden more often.

Deep Watering: The principle of water and you need to water deeply. This helps to increase the growth of the roots deeper in the ground so that they become more developed. Water well to saturate the root zone to about a six-inch depth of the soil profile.

Avoid Overwatering: The most common mistake is that it is watered too often. Ensure that the pots used have drainage apertures and do not allow seedlings to stand in water. Indications of over-watering include creaming and wilting meaning root rot.

Adjusting for Growth Stages: It is to be noted that when these plants start bearing fruits your requirements for watering the guava plants will be different from those when you planted the seeds.

E Capture: because seedlings are rather tender, they need to be watered more often than fully grown plants which can stand longer without water.

Observe the plant and ensure that watering its soil corresponds to the right growth rate.

Weather Considerations: Pay attention to climatic changes. They help supplement water through showering during rainy times when you may have to reduce watering and during hot times you need to increase watering.

So, it is mandatory to always check and keep a close eye on the health of your plants and soil moisture to get to the top of your game.

Having read these watering guidelines you’ll foster a conducive environment for your guava to grow.

A proper watering regime is critical to be able to raise stout plants that may bear sweet fruits in the following seasons!

Sunlight Requirements

As stated above, sunlight is an important aspect when it comes to the growth of guava plants. Here’s how to ensure your guava seedlings receive the right amount of light:

Optimal Sunlight Exposure: Guava trees grow optimally in conditions of full sun, so these trees require between 6 and 8 hours of sunlight daily.

This exposure is necessary for photosynthesis and fruit formation and the plants become healthy and strong and yield much fruit.

Choosing the Right Location: The plant when grown outdoors should be placed in an area where the plant is exposed to sunlight the whole day.

However, if your guavas are in containers and the plants are growing too tall, you can easily reposition the plants to areas that are warm and sunny.

It is necessary to avoid shading for the plant because it slows down its development and fruiting.

Indoor Growing Considerations: If you have started your guava plants indoors, ensure they are placed close to a window that receives lots of light from the sun.

In a case where natural light cannot be provided, the grow light should be used to supplement the light requirement.

Monitoring Plant Health: You have to take care of your guava plants. If they are reaching out towards the light or growing at a very slow rate it might mean that it requires more light.

On the other hand, if the lower petals of newly opened leaves are emitting a burned look or are sunburned, this may indicate that the plant is receiving too much direct sunlight in hot climates.

Adjusting During Seasons: This also applies that as seasons change, so does the intensity of the sun.

Sunlight’s angle also changes during winter, meaning that if your plants are either too high or too low you’re likely to find yourself needing to move the plant or change the way it gets its light. Watch for their progress that can indicate when a change of strategy is necessary.

They grow well in bright and warm areas, although young plants of guava may need shading during the high noon.

Something like Shade Cloth can be useful because although they need sunlight to grow it is very hot right now and the plants could likely burn.

With the right sunlight conditions provided, you will stimulate the growth of your guava trees to ripen fruits to their maximum.

Light is important in their development and while providing enough light to them it will surely yield the tastiest homegrown Guava.

Fertilization Tips

Due to the fertilizer’s importance in the growth of healthy guava plants, fertilization is fundamental in the growth of these plants.

As required nutrients will be given at the right time, hence, proper growth and production of fruits will be witnessed. Here’s how to effectively fertilize your guava plants:

Choosing the Right Fertilizer: A slow-release NPK fertilizer is good for guavas as it contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Virginia boils down to a 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 fertilizer. You can also use organic fertilizers such as compost or well rot and manure which replenishes the nutrients in the soil.

Fertilizing Schedule: Begin fertilizing your guava plants about six weeks after planting or after germination.

When it comes to fertilizing your plants, it is recommended to do so every six to eight weeks during the growing season which is during spring and summer.

Mow your lawn infrequently in the autumn and never fertilize in autumn and winter when the grass is not growing.

Application Method: For gross fertilizers, spread the measured amount at the base of the plant excluding the stem part.

You need to water it well so that the nutrients actually reach the root zone of the plant. For liquid fertilizers mix as instructed on the label and either broadcast or spot apply via the drop nozzles or foliar spray.

Signs of Nutrient Deficiency: Guard against issues that show that your guava plants need supplementation with nutrients.

The first one is when the leaves of the plant turn yellow, by this, one knows that the plant is deficient in nitrogen while the second sign relating to poor fruiting tells one that the plant lacks potassium.

Modify the rate of fertilization depending on these signs if you observed them in your plants or garden.

Soil Testing: Some garden experts suggest having your garden soil analyzed every couple of years to determine its nutrient content and pH level.

This information will go a long way in your fertilization plan to inform whether your guava plants are benefiting from the fertilizers or not.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests to Watch For

Also, try to monitor the occurrence of pests that include aphids, mealy bugs, and white flies. If you observe the above invaders, they should be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Preventative Measures

The only way of dealing with them is to maintain your plant healthy enough. Watering is important to avoid pest problems and so is irrigation and periodic fertilization.

Pruning and Maintenance

When and How to Prune

Pruning is critical in the management of the guava tree since it will reduce the size of the tree and encourage the growth of side branches.

Perform this before the onset of spring or during early spring whenever possible; remove dead or weaker branches.

Supporting Growth

You can use stakes if young plants look like they will topple over due to their weight. This way the body becomes strong and well developed.

Harvesting Guava

Signs of Ripeness

The fruits, which are called guavas, mature for harvesting when they become yellow or soft to the feel. The smell is also good—ripe guavas give out a lovely smell!

How to Harvest Properly

It’s important to simply rotate the fruit side on the stem to free it. It is important not to stress the plant excessively because this may impact upon future yields.

Common Challenges

However, planting and cultivating guava plants can also be slightly tricky at times. Keep an eye out for:

Slow Growth: Get enough sunlight and water your plants often. Pest Infestation: Move swiftly during natural pest control procedures.

Conclusion

It is not just planting but growing a plant from a seed and what could be tastier than a guava for a summer afternoon, every single day is a day less waiting for the little plant to grow into a tree and produce fruits.

Through these measures, you would have to start practicing how you would love to make use of homegrown guavas. So get your seeds and get gardening right now and the rest is history!

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