The Germination of a Strawberry Guava

Timing

• Fresh guava seeds germinate more readily than those that have been stored for more than nine months to a year. Under ideal germinating conditions, the seeds may sprout within two weeks. Otherwise, it may take up to eight weeks. Within the plant's hardiness zones, plant strawberry guava seed during spring, either in a greenhouse or outdoors in the garden. Strawberry guava seedlings require winter protection over the first two winters, so pot-grown seedlings are more convenient for the gardener.

Soil

• The ideal soil in which to germinate strawberry guava seeds is a sandy loam with leafmold incorporated. Commercial seed-starting mixes containing peat moss or compost will suffice for seeds started in containers, but mix it, in equal parts, with sand or vermiculite to aid in drainage. In the garden, add compost and 2 to 3 inches of sand if your soil requires drainage help. Soil texture should be light and airy to allow the young roots less resistance.

Sowing

• The strawberry guava plant cannot tolerate shade during its life, and this includes during seed germination. Plant them no deeper than 1/2 inch into the soil for best results. A good way to sow the seed is to lay it on the surface of the soil and sprinkle a 1/4- to 1/2-inch layer of sand or other lightweight substance over the seed. Because sand dries out quicker than soil, keep an eye on the moisture content and spritz it with water when it appears to be drying out.

Growing On

• If you've chosen to germinate the strawberry guava seed in pots, as long as the pot is large enough to hold the developing root system, you may grow it on in the pot and the plant will thrive. Gardeners within the plant's hardiness zones should transplant the seedlings into the landscape when they are six to eight weeks old. Either pot-grown or garden-grown strawberry guava seedlings require lots of water while they grow, so keep the soil moist at all times.