Chilean Guava

Chilean Guava In NZ

If you're looking to add a unique and productive plant to your garden, the Chilean guava is a fantastic option. These guides will help you understand how to successfully grow Chilean guava in New Zealand, ensuring a healthy plant and a bountiful harvest.

Characteristics of the Chilean Guava

The Chilean guava plant originates from Chile and southern Argentina. The climate in New Zealand is similar, hence why this plant thrives. It is a compact shrub that typically grows 1-2 metres tall. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers that have a sweet fragrance. The fruit, which ripens in late summer to autumn, is small and round, and a deep red or purple colour. These berries are not only tasty but also rich in vitamin C.

Planting And Caring For Chilean Guava in New Zealand

Growing Chilean guava in New Zealand is relatively straightforward, provided you give it the right conditions and care:

Choose the Right Location

Chilean guava plants prefer a sunny to partially shaded position and thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, consider planting your Chilean guava in a raised bed or growing it in a container with a good quality potting mix.

Planting Your Chilean Guava

Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball when planting it. Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen any tightly bound roots. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Water the plant well after planting to settle the soil.

Watering and Feeding

Chilean guavas prefer consistent moisture, so water them regularly, especially during dry spells. However, avoid waterlogging the soil. Feed the plants with shrub fertiliser in spring to promote healthy growth.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning your Chilean guava helps maintain its shape and encourages bushy growth. This should be done in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Remove any dead or diseased branches and thin out overcrowded areas to improve air circulation. Containment trimming can be undertaken at any time.

Pest and Disease Management

While Chilean guavas are relatively pest-resistant, they can occasionally suffer from issues like scale insects or fungal diseases. Regularly inspect your plants and treat any problems promptly with appropriate organic or chemical solutions.

Harvesting and Enjoying Chilean Guava Berries

Once your Chilean guava plants start producing fruit, you’ll need to know when to pick them and what to do with them.

When to Harvest: Chilean guava berries are ready to harvest when they are deep red or purple and slightly soft to the touch. Taste a few berries to ensure they're sweet and aromatic before picking.

Culinary Uses: Chilean guava berries are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them fresh, or use them in jams, jellies, and desserts. They also make a delightful addition to fruit salads or as a garnish for cocktails.

Storing Your Berries: To store your Chilean guava berries, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them or making preserves.

Using Chilean Guava in Your Garden

The versatility of Chilean guava makes it an excellent addition to any garden. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your landscape.

Chilean Guava as a Hedge: Due to its dense foliage and attractive appearance, the Chilean guava makes an excellent hedge plant. Planting them about 40 cm apart is the ideal spacing for a dense hedge.

Edible Landscaping: Incorporate Chilean guava into your edible landscape. Its attractive flowers, foliage, and tasty berries can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden while providing a delicious, homegrown fruit.

Companion Planting: Consider planting Chilean guava alongside other fruiting plants like blueberries or strawberries. These plants share similar soil and sunlight requirements, making them excellent companions.

Mixed Plantings: As a standalone plant, the Chilean Guava is an elegant plant, with the added benefit of berries!