Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleyanum)

A highly ornamental and resilient dwarf fruit species popular in Kerala container gardens, prized for its glossy dark-green foliage and abundant clusters of small, golf-ball-sized deep red (or yellow littorale) fruits with translucent, aromatic pulp delivering a distinct, tangy-sweet strawberry-like flavor.

Grafted and air-layered plants adapt exceptionally well to container culture and rooftop setups, growing as a compact, slow-growing dwarf shrub that resists pests and sets heavy fruit crops within just 1 to 2 years of planting!

Description

Strawberry Guava is a tropical fruit plant known for its small, round, red or yellow fruits with a sweet, aromatic flavour similar to strawberries. The fruits are rich in vitamin C and can be eaten fresh or used to prepare juices, jams, and desserts. The plant grows well in full sunlight and warm, humid climates, making it suitable for tropical gardens. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter but can tolerate a range of soil conditions. Water regularly during the early growth stage, keeping the soil moist without waterlogging. Once established, the plant is relatively hardy and can produce fruits with proper care.

Recommended Planting Method for Best Results

For healthy growth and strong establishment, prepare a 2–3 ft deep pit. If available, place a layer of green leaves at the bottom. Mix 1.5 kg bone meal, 1 kg oil cake, 20 kg raw cow or goat dung, and 100 g urea with an equal quantity of soil, then fill the pit and cover it with soil.

Leave the pit for about one month, watering it daily so the mixture decomposes well. After one month, mix the contents again and add 100 g calcium or dolomite. Wait one more week, then plant the sapling.

If you need to plant immediately and cannot wait for the one-month decomposition period, do not add oil cake or calcium/dolomite; use only the soil, manure, bone meal, and urea mixture for planting.