It is already that time of year when my Red Malaysian Guava (Psidium guajava) is loaded with ripe fruit and ready to be eaten. My tree flowers during the summer and the fruits ripen late November and well into early January. Due to the fact I get about 100 ripe fruit each year from my one small tree, I choose to only grow the one plant. The flowers only last a day but are a pretty light-pink when in bloom.
Although called “Red Malaysian,” tropical guavas are really native to Mexico down to northern South America. However, many guava have become an invasive pest species in some parts of the world, like Hawaii. As trees go, the Red Malaysian Guava tree can get rather unruly and leggy. But with proper pruning in early spring you should be able to control it. Mine is slowly growing into a nice-shaped tree.
Of course the only reason you are growing Red Malaysian Guava is for the fruit, but the tree itself does have some redeeming qualities. These include attractive deep red new leaves, the typical peeling bark found in the Myrtle family, and small pretty pink flowers I showed earlier.
Something else I have noticed growing guavas in Southern California is the fact they are virtually pest free. So it is a great low-maintenance fruit tree for the organic gardener. Pest free means no need for treating the tree, or developing fruit like shown below, with chemicals or organic treatments.
Guavas are high in dietary fiber, have high antioxidant content, and are loaded with vitamins A and C. It has been said you need to eat 3-4 oranges to get the same amount of Vitamin C found in a Guava. One word of caution here: Guava seeds are an amazing laxative! Both my son and daughter used to love eating the entire fruit, seeds and all. After noticing an increase in diarrhea episodes in our house during Guava season I did a little research. Let’s just say we now scoop out the seeds.
To get a detailed list of all the health benefits about the fruit of Psidium guajava you can visit the Organic Facts website.
Hi Len, at first, it’s great gardening blog, thanks for sharing it.
I’m wondering whether I could get some RED MALAYSIAN GUAVA seeds from you.
Or scion. It makes me crazy, I’m searching for it since 2 years(!) and no offer in whole-global online world. How is it possible? I even tried to contact seed dealers in Malaysia. Didn’t work.
So, what do you think, you wrote, you spite seeds out from those 100 fruits. It would be better if you make new lives from those seeds.
Would you?
Bests,
Ahn
Hi Ahn,
I am in Madagascar until the first of November. Once back I will mail you seed. The plant is in fruit as my son showed me while Facetiming the other night. Please use the contact form on my website to send me your address.
Hi dear
Can u send me some seeds of this cultivar for academics and research. I shall be grateful.
Hi, Please go to the “Contact” forum and send me your address.
Hi Len,
What a beautiful, healthy tree! I live in Southern CA and been looking for this plant with no luck; same with seeds. Would it be possible for me to get some seeds from you?
Thank you.
Mimi
Hi, please contact me on from that pages form with your address.
Mimi,
I am also in SoCal. I bought my tree at Green Thumb Nursery in Canoga Park. Has its first fruit!
Lynne
Hi. Mr Len. May i have some seeds from you too ? If can, I can send you a self addressed envelope. Thank you.
Just send me your address in the Contact form so I can put you on list for seed in fall.
I’ve got Lemon Guava going,plus my Ice Cream banana has fingers. It was just a pup in June 2014.
Len,any ideas on trying Mangoes? For you a sure thing. I have two. A Baileys Marvel and a Seedling “Champagne”. I’ve gotten some fruit. The first is near 7′ after three years in ground.
You might explore the edible’s a bit more..
No Stan, I don’t. I am not a Mango tree guy. Just too many other trees and palms to plant. 🙂 I do have a few more edibles. Just not a bunch like you do it sounds. Lemon Guava can be tasty, but nothing like this Red Malaysian.
Back again Len. I saw one at HD..low,low, price. So I planted one out. The rootball wasn’t knitted..but I did my best to quickly get it in and backfill.
Are they hardy to that? Or are they the kind of like a bougy or Armata that hates that..could die? Setback? It had four opened blooms on it too. I hate when this happens.
I would guess they are like other Psidium in that they are pretty tough and strong rooters. Shouldn’t be any issue at all. Congrats on your find 🙂
After seeing the foliage of this plant on the blog, I too, had been on the hunt for this plant! I found a bunch of 1 gallons for $10 at Laguna Hills Nursery in Tustin today. I hope that helps others looking for this plant.
Thanks Michael. The fruit of this variety is very tasty too.
Hi! Any idea where I can buy a Malaysian Red that will ship? Thanks!
Not sure. Sorry. I have seed I can send. Use the “Contact” form and put your mailing address and I will send a pack of 20 seed.
Hi Len, may you send me a few seeds of your red malaysian guajava? I’m cultivating two guajavas in Pots in Kiel, Germany (Schleswig-Holstein, near the Baltic seaand was looking for commercial vendors of itm vut didn’t find.
Yes, please use the contact form on my site to send me your address. I have seed right now.
Hi there,
My Malaysian guava tree is peeling bark, leaves are dropping, and leaves are also crusty. What do i do?
Hi Paul. Can’t really help as there are so many things it could be. Too hard to say. Just make sure it is growing in a free-draining medium and that it gets lots of water and fertilizer. They love both.
Hi Len, I like the red malaysian guajava tree you’re having in your garden. Is it possible to get a few seeds of your red Malaysian guava? Or can I buy from some vendor website?
I have some seed from last seasons crop happy to send. Not sure how good they are. Use the contact form to let me know address.
How are you Len, wondering if you sell and shi seedling plants in grow pits of your Red Malaysian Guava or just the seeds? If so,how do I contact you for shipping of seeds and instructions to get them germinated.
Warm Regards,
Frank
I am sorry but I don’t have anymore seed.
I found my red guava at Home Depot and it’s doing great! BTW, the blossoms are AMAZING to eat, just haven’t figured out best use – thinking a cocktail.
Fruit smoothies… with rum 🙂
They make a great quick jam also!
Does anyone know where I can buy pink/red guava saplings in Melaka? If not in Melaka, maybe Johor. Thanks.
I planted the red Malaysian guavas from a 5gal pot 6 moths ago.
I live in las vegas were the weather during winter sometimes cold at night at 30 f.
Noticed the leaves are wrinkling he probably to frost. Presntly wrapping the whole tree with clear plastic.
It gets enough water and fertilizer
Can anyone help me save my plant.
Thanks in advance
They are tough. Might come back strong in spring.
Could please provide me some seeds so I can have this plant grown? I have been looking this plant for some time now. Thank you.
My address: Jack Chou
29 Byron Ellinor Dr.
Ormond Beach, FL 32176
Can you tell me how to know when the fruit are ready to harvest?