Light. Plant in full sun.
Water. Water every other day the first week, then once or twice a week for two months. Established trees need water in long dry spells, especially during bloom and fruiting.
Soil and feeding. It tolerates sand and rocky soils; in alkaline soil it needs chelated iron. Feed young trees every 1–2 months with a fruit fertilizer such as Citrus and Fruit Trees; bearing trees 3–4 times a year.
Size. Keep it to about 10 ft by pruning; taller trees blow over more easily. Unpruned trees can reach 20 ft.
Pruning. Prune bearing trees regularly to control height and open the canopy. Avoid heavy pruning from November to February.
Problems to watch. Caribbean fruit fly is the main pest; bag fruit when it is about 1 in across.
Good to know. Young trees can die at 27–28°F. It has moderate salt and flood tolerance.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS HS4/MG045: Guava Growing in the Florida Home Landscape
