CHERRY/STRAWBERRY GUAVA GROWING INFORMATION   © Frances Michaels   Botanical Name: Psidium cattleianum Family: Myrtaceae Plant Description: A compact, evergreen bushy shrub to 3 - 6 m in height, native to Brazil, with smooth, rounded branches. Its leaves are smooth, glossy, leathery and about 5 - 8 cm long. The white flowers with fluffy stamens are borne close to the stems, they bloom in late spring, but sometimes the tree blooms a second time in late autumn. The fruit is round 2.5 - 4 cm in diameter (the size of a small plum), deep wine-red, with a very thin skin. The flesh is juicy and believed to have the finest flavour of any guava. Cherry guavas will grow in a wide range of soils but need good drainage. They dislike low temperatures and will not tolerate very heavy frost but are hardier to cold than the common guava.   Uses: The fruit can be eaten raw and is high in Vitamin C. It is also used for sauces, jellies, drinks and jams. The plants are also useful as fruiting hedge, poultry forage and windbreak.   CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS Recommended Planting Time: Guavas can be planted at any time as long as they are put into a sheltered position and watered frequently. Spacing: Plant out at 4 m spacings. Harvest: The fruit ripens January to June. In moist, tropical areas there is a risk of this plant becoming weedy. Cover it with a bird net to prevent birds spreading the fruit into nearby rainforest areas or do not plant it.   Available from Green Harvest: Year round as seed   DISCLAIMER: We guarantee our seeds to the value of the purchase price. We are happy to replace the seeds, give you a credit or refund, whichever you prefer. Other than our guarantee to the extent of the purchase price Green Harvest gives no other warranty expressed or implied. No liability will be accepted by Green Harvest, its owners or employees as to the accuracy of any information. No responsibility will be taken for damage to property or persons due to information given about a product or technique. No responsibility will be taken for the loss of a crop or income due to information given about a product or technique.   Copyright © 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006  Green Harvest No part of this website may be reproduced without permission of the owner