Scarlet Guava (Psidium guajava)

Tropical Sweetheart with Scarlet-Streaked Fruit and Endless Uses

Scarlet Guava, a captivating cultivar of Psidium guajava, is prized for its vibrant pink-to-red flesh, intoxicating tropical aroma, and sweet-tart flavor. Native to Central America and widely cultivated across the tropics, this fruiting evergreen shrub or small tree is beloved in Latin American, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian cuisines.

In addition to its juicy fruits, the Scarlet Guava offers lush green foliage, fragrant white blossoms, and year-round visual appeal—making it a must-have for edible landscapes and permaculture gardens alike. Traditionally valued for both its fruit and its leaves, Scarlet Guava has a long history of culinary and medicinal use, especially in teas, preserves, and immunity-boosting remedies.

Why You'll Love It:

• Produces juicy, pink-fleshed tropical fruit packed with vitamin C and antioxidants
• Leaves traditionally used in herbal teas for digestive support and wellness
• Highly ornamental with evergreen foliage and fragrant white flowers
• Supports pollinators and local wildlife with nectar-rich blooms
• Fast-growing, adaptable, and well-suited to containers or food forests

Growing Tips:

Scarlet Guava thrives in full sun and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly during dry spells, especially during flowering and fruiting, but avoid waterlogging. It tolerates subtropical cold snaps once established, though protection is recommended in USDA Zone 9 during hard freezes. Guavas can be grown in large pots in colder climates and overwintered indoors. Propagation is typically done by seed or softwood cuttings, with fruit often arriving in as little as 1–3 years. Prune to shape and encourage airflow for best fruit production.