Guava, also known as guayabo, is a common and beneficial plant that stands out for its ability to thrive in difficult conditions with minimal attention. It’s an ideal plant to grow at home because it doesn’t require much water or care and has surprising medicinal and nutritional properties. In this article, we’ll address how to grow guavas and enjoy the fruit directly from the tree.
Preparation for Planting:
Before starting to grow guavas, you need to obtain a cutting from the plant. You can purchase a guava tree at garden centers or get one from friends with different varieties. It’s preferable to choose a guava tree with green leaves and a healthy appearance.
Planting Process:
- Cut the Cutting: Use a clean, sharp knife to cut a branch from the mother guava tree. The cutting should be long enough to contain several leaves.
- Dry the Cutting: Let the cutting dry for at least two days in a dry, shaded place. This will allow the cutting to slightly cure at the end and reduce the chances of rotting when planting.
- Planting in Soil: After drying, place the cutting in moist soil. You can use special guava soil available at gardening stores or a mixture of common soil and sand.
- Daily Care: Place the guava tree in a moderately sunny location and water regularly. It’s recommended to reduce the amount of water in winter to avoid excess moisture and rot.
Harvesting the Fruit:
Guava fruits can appear after a short growing period, usually several months. The fruits are ready to be harvested when they become soft and medium-sized. The fruit is cut from the tree using clean, sharp scissors.
Benefits of Guava:
- Guava contains numerous beneficial vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and magnesium.
- Guava juice is beneficial for the digestive system and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Guava can be used in the preparation of many healthy recipes such as juices, salads, and snacks.
As an easy-to-grow plant with many health benefits, guava can be an excellent addition to your home garden. By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure a healthy and productive guava tree.
