Psidium Cattleianum Strawberry Guava - 14cm Pot

Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum) is an attractive evergreen fruiting tree valued for its aromatic foliage, delicate white flowers and delicious red to purple fruit. Combining ornamental appeal with edible produce, this versatile plant is well suited to productive gardens, edible hedges and sheltered outdoor spaces.

With its dense, glossy green foliage and naturally bushy growth habit, Strawberry Guava makes an attractive evergreen hedge, screening plant or small feature tree. Its foliage provides year-round greenery, while its flowers and fruit add seasonal interest.

The plant produces attractive white flowers, followed by small, rounded fruit that gradually ripens from green to shades of deep red and purple. The fruit has a sweet, aromatic flavour often described as a combination of strawberry and guava.

Strawberry Guava is particularly appealing for gardeners wanting to grow unusual edible fruit. The berries can be enjoyed fresh or used in homemade jams, jellies, sauces, desserts and preserves.

Unlike some fruit trees that produce a concentrated harvest, Strawberry Guava ripens its fruit progressively. Checking the plant and harvesting approximately every three days during the fruiting period helps ensure berries are collected at their best.

Once picked, the fruit has a relatively short shelf life and is best eaten or processed within three to four days of ripening.

In Melbourne, Strawberry Guava is best grown in a warm, sunny, sheltered position, protected from heavy frost and cold winds. Its evergreen foliage and tolerance of pruning make it a useful addition to edible landscapes where both appearance and productivity are important.

Mature size: Can develop into a small tree approximately 3–5 metres tall and 2–4 metres wide in suitable conditions. Plants can be maintained at a smaller size through regular pruning, particularly when grown as a hedge.

Care & Growing Tips
Position: Plant in full sun to part shade, with good sunlight preferred for flowering and fruit production. In Melbourne, choose a warm, sheltered position protected from cold winds and heavy frost.

Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Incorporate compost before planting and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Watering: Water regularly during establishment to encourage a strong root system. Once established, provide supplementary watering during prolonged dry periods, particularly when flowers and fruit are developing.

Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and improve soil conditions. Keep mulch clear of the main trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a balanced fertiliser suitable for fruiting plants in late winter, following the manufacturer's directions. Sulphate of potash may also be applied at the recommended rate to support flowering and fruit development.

Pruning: Prune lightly to maintain shape, encourage bushy growth and manage the plant's size. Regular trimming can help maintain a dense hedge, although excessive pruning may reduce flowering and fruit production.

Flowering: Produces attractive white flowers, followed by developing fruit. Flowering times may vary with climate and growing conditions.

Fruiting: Produces small, rounded fruit that ripens from green to deep red or purple. Fruit generally ripens progressively rather than all at once.

Harvesting: Check plants regularly during the fruiting season and harvest approximately every three days as berries ripen. Pick when the fruit has developed its mature colour and is ready to eat.

Fruit Storage: Strawberry Guava fruit has a short shelf life. Once ripe, berries are best eaten or processed within three to four days.

Hedging & Screening: Suitable for growing as an evergreen edible hedge or informal screen. Regular pruning will encourage dense growth and help maintain the desired height and shape.

Frost Protection: Young plants can be sensitive to frost. In Melbourne, provide a sheltered position and protect plants from heavy frost, particularly during establishment.

Container Growing: Can be grown in a large container with quality, well-drained potting mix. Choose a sunny, sheltered position and maintain regular watering and feeding during the growing season.

Seasonal Care: Fertilise in late winter, maintain mulch throughout the year and provide additional water during warm weather and fruit development.

Ideal for
— Edible gardens and kitchen gardens
— Evergreen edible hedges
— Informal garden screening
— Small fruiting feature trees
— Productive backyard gardens
— Growing unusual home-grown fruit
— Warm, sheltered Melbourne gardens
— Sunny garden beds and borders
— Large decorative pots and planters
— Aromatic evergreen foliage
— Fresh fruit harvesting
— Homemade jams, jellies and preserves
— Fruit sauces and desserts
— Mixed edible landscapes
— Gardeners wanting ornamental and productive plants
— Creating year-round greenery with seasonal fruit