Crystal guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a fruit that thrives in areas with altitudes of 50–1200 meters above sea level, making it suitable for cultivation in both lowlands and highlands. The ideal environment for crystal guava includes temperatures of 20–30℃, humidity levels of 30–50%, rainfall of 1000–3000 mm/month, and soil pH of 5–8.2.
Crystal guava can be harvested 6 months to 2 years after planting. Its productivity ranges from 10–30 tons per hectare per planting. Here’s a guide on how to grow crystal guava for maximum yield.
1. Seed Preparation
For cultivating crystal guava, select seeds from mature guava fruits left to ripen on the tree. Large, slightly soft fruits are covered with plastic, punctured slightly, or wrapped until roots begin to grow.
Alternatively, crystal guava seedlings can be obtained through grafting or budding. You can also purchase ready-to-plant seedlings from the market.
2. Planting Crystal Guava

Seedlings with a height of 50–70 cm are ready for planting. The steps include:
- Transplanting Seedlings
Seedlings aged 6–12 months and 50–70 cm tall should be transplanted to the field. Select fresh, healthy seedlings free of pests and diseases.
Transplanting is best done in the morning (8:00–10:00) or afternoon (15:00–17:00). - Soil Preparation
Water the field before planting. Prepare planting holes measuring 40×40 cm or 50×50 cm with a depth of 20–30 cm. Spacing should be 3×3 m or 5×5 m, depending on the variety and climate.
Add 10 kg of compost mixed with rice husks (1:1) and let it sit for one week before planting. - Planting Process
- Carefully remove the seedlings and planting media from the nursery.
- Place the seedling in the hole, cover with soil, and compact it gently to keep the seedling upright.
- Water the seedling immediately to ensure adequate soil moisture.
- Sunlight Requirements
Seedlings need at least 8 hours of sunlight daily. When new leaves emerge, apply 100 grams of NPK fertilizer per planting hole.
3. Regular Watering
Crystal guava plants require sufficient water for optimal growth. Water seedlings twice daily (morning and evening) for the first two weeks. Once the plant matures, water once daily in the morning. Keep the soil around the plant moist but not waterlogged.
4. Supplementary Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial for providing nutrients to the plant.
- For young plants (0–1 year): Apply a mixture of 40 kg manure, 50 kg TSP, 100 g urea, and 20 g potassium chloride (ZK) per tree. Spread fertilizer around the tree in a trench 30 cm deep and 40–50 cm wide.
- For plants aged 1–3 years: Apply 250 g of NPK and 250 g of TSP per tree every 3 months.
- Reduce fertilization intensity for plants older than 3 years.
5. Weeding

Regular weeding prevents nutrient competition from weeds. Weed removal should be done every 1–2 months or immediately when weeds are observed.
6. Pruning
Prune crystal guava trees to maintain health and encourage fruit production:
- For trees 2 years old and 1 meter tall, prune some branches.
- Cut the main stem 25 cm from the tip.
- After two months, select three healthy branches with opposite growth directions and prune the others.
- Remove diseased branches and upward-facing or damaged fruits.
7. Pest and Disease Control
Regular monitoring helps address pests and diseases promptly. Common pests include:
- Whiteflies (Paracoccus marginatus)
- Mites (Scirtothrips citri)
- Bagworms (Pagodiella sp.)
- Fruit flies (Bactrocera carambolae)
- Caterpillars (Trabala sp.)
Common diseases include:
- Red rust (Cephaleuros sp.)
- Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides)
- Fruit canker (Pestalotia sp.)
- Sooty mold (Capnodium sp.)
8. Wrapping Young Fruits
Young fruits are prone to fruit flies. Wrap ping pong-sized fruits in perforated plastic or styrofoam nets to reduce sun exposure and prevent damage.
9. Harvesting Crystal Guava

Crystal guava can be harvested 6 months to 2 years after planting. Harvest-ready fruits display:
- Greenish-yellow skin
- A sweet, fresh aroma
- Sufficient size
Harvest fruits in the morning by cutting them with their stalks intact. Use scissors or knives to avoid damaging the tree.
10. Post-Harvest Handling
- Gather harvested guavas in baskets.
- Clean any dirt with a damp cloth.
- Avoid exposing fruits to direct sunlight or causing bruising.
- Separate marketable and non-marketable fruits.
- Pack marketable fruits in wooden crates for distribution.
By following these steps, you can grow healthy crystal guava trees and enjoy abundant harvests.