Hardly anything is more fun than growing plants from tiny seeds yourself - and even harvesting fruit from them after a few years. With the guava, which comes from South America, even plant lovers without too green thumbs are very often successful, after all, the exotic plant is considered to be quite uncomplicated and easy to care for. With a bit of luck, you can already harvest the first fruits about four to five years after sowing. This article tells you how to get there.
A guava is quite easy to grow from seed
Real guava or Brazilian guava?
Before you get seeds and get down to work with joy, take a look at which guava you actually got hold of. Various plants are sold under this name, but they are quite similar in terms of the conditions for cultivation and subsequent care. With one serious difference: The Brazilian guava (Acca sellowiana), also known as the pineapple guava or feijoa, is significantly tougher than the real guava (Psidium guajava). In contrast to the real guava, the pineapple guava even tolerates light frosts. Therefore, this species is grown wherever it is basically too cold for the real guava.
Cultivation from seeds is quite uncomplicated
However, both species are quite easy to cultivate from seeds you have collected yourself or bought. All you have to do is:
- If you remove the seeds from fresh fruit, you must first remove the pulp.
- It is best to clean them with warm water and kitchen towels.
- Then soak the seeds in lukewarm water for at least 24 hours.
- In the meantime, fill small plant pots with potting soil.
- Plant the seeds a few millimeters deep into the substrate.
- Keep the substrate slightly moist.
- Place the pots in an indoor greenhouse and provide even heat.
- Temperatures of around 25°C are best for cultivation.
In principle, sowing is possible all year round, but you will achieve the best results in spring.
tips
No matter what species, guavas should hibernate frost-free, but cool and as bright as possible.