How to Grow Guava Myrtle

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Guava Myrtle

Syzygium psidii

tree

Syzygium psidii is a tropical evergreen tree native to South America, closely related to the common guava. It produces small, white flowers followed by edible dark purple to black berries with a sweet, aromatic flavor. The tree is prized for both ornamental foliage and productive fruiting in warm climates.

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Example Guava Myrtle timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Guava Myrtle
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Guava Myrtle
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Guava Myrtle dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but fruits more prolifically in full sun

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Water: Moderate; water deeply when soil is dry 2-3 inches below surface. Establish consistent moisture during fruiting; reduce watering slightly during dormancy. Drought-tolerant once established but performs better with regular irrigation.

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Spacing: 180 inches

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Days to maturity: 720-1080

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Planting depth: Surface sow or plant seeds 0.25-0.5 inches deep; transplant seedlings or container-grown trees at same depth as root ball

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Peat moss or coco coir Perlite or coarse sand for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 10-11; can survive brief freezes to 28-30°F (-2 to -1°C) but prefers frost-free regions

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

8-12 weeks

Young plant emerges with cotyledons and develops first true leaves; growth is relatively slow initially

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Protect from strong winds. Begin fertilizing with dilute, balanced fertilizer at 4-6 weeks.

Juvenile/Establishment

1-2 years

Tree grows upright with increasing branching; foliage becomes dense and glossy green; root system establishes

Water regularly during dry spells. Prune to encourage branching and stronger framework. Apply mulch around base. Begin light fertilizing monthly during growing season.

Pre-flowering

1-3 years

Tree reaches juvenile maturity with developed canopy; branching structure solidifies; growth rate moderates

Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Prune to shape; remove crossing or weak branches. Mulch to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature.

Flowering

3-8 weeks (timing varies by region)

Small, white, fragrant flowers appear in clusters along branches; flowers are hermaphroditic and attract pollinators

Maintain consistent moisture—drought stress reduces fruit set. Continue balanced fertilizing or switch to slightly higher potassium formula. Do not prune heavily during flowering.

Fruiting & Maturation

6-12 weeks depending on season and cultivar

Small fruits develop from flowers; berries gradually enlarge and change from green to dark purple-black; flavor develops as sugars increase

Consistent watering is critical to prevent fruit drop and cracking. Apply potassium-rich fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Thin crowded fruit if desired for larger berries. Monitor for pests attracted to ripening fruit.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avocado Mango Coconut Papaya Passion fruit Nitrogen-fixing legumes Herbs (basil, oregano)

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces allelopathic compounds) Fennel (allelopathic)

Common Pests

Use fruit traps with apple cider vinegar and dish soap; remove fallen fruit promptly; harvest ripe fruit immediately; maintain sanitation
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap during dormancy; prune heavily infested branches; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Remove by hand with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; spray neem oil weekly for 3 weeks; improve air circulation to reduce infestations
Increase humidity by misting foliage; spray water forcefully to dislodge mites; use miticide or sulfur spray if severe; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide if severe; ensure good drainage

Uses

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Fresh eating and desserts

Culinary

The dark berries have a sweet, aromatic flavor with subtle floral notes and are eaten fresh out of hand, much like blueberries. They are also used in jams, preserves, sauces, desserts, and tropical smoothie bowls. [source]

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Beverages and infusions

Culinary

Fresh or frozen berries are fermented into wine, brewed into tea, or juiced for tropical beverages. The aromatic profile is popular in craft beverage applications. [source]

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Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

Leaves and bark have been used in South American traditional medicine for digestive support and as an astringent. The fruit is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. [source]

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Landscape and shade tree

Ornamental

The glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant white flowers, and attractive purple berries make it valuable as an ornamental specimen tree or hedge plant in tropical and subtropical gardens. [source]

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Wildlife habitat and food

Wildlife

The flowers attract native bees and pollinators, while the abundant berries provide food for tropical birds and wildlife, making it an excellent tree for biodiversity in native plant landscapes. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Berries ripen from mid to late summer depending on region; harvest when fruit is fully dark purple-black and slightly soft to gentle pressure. Do not harvest green fruit—it does not ripen off the tree. Gently twist and pull ripe berries, or allow to drop onto clean cloth. Eat fresh immediately or refrigerate up to 1 week. Can be frozen for later use in jams and beverages.

Fun Facts

🌱 Syzygium psidii is sometimes called 'Guava Myrtle' or 'Brazil Cherry' and is occasionally confused with true guava (Psidium guajava), though it is a distinct species in the Myrtaceae (myrtle) family.
🌱 The tree can live for 50+ years and become quite large (30-40 feet), making it a long-term investment for tropical and subtropical gardens.
🌱 The small berries have an exceptional flavor-to-seed ratio and are gaining popularity among tropical fruit enthusiasts and permaculture practitioners as a low-maintenance, productive tree crop.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade pH True Leaves

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