The Germination of Guava

Germination Time

• Guava seeds are viable for an extended period of time. However, since the plants do not always come true from seed, this is not a preferred method of propagation. Though germination is likely to take up to eight weeks, seeds usually germinate in two to three weeks. According to Jeff Nugent and Julia Boniface in "Permaculture Plants," only 70 percent of seed-propagated guava trees produce fruit similar to the parent tree.

Seed Collection

• Use fully matured seeds from the current season's fruit for best results. Sow the seeds as soon as possible in a seed bed or small pots or dry and store for up to a year. Scarifying seeds prior to planting is also recommended. To scarify, soak the seeds in hydrochloric acid for about three minutes. It is very important to rinse seeds well to remove all traces of acid prior to planting.

Seed Cleaning

• Guava seeds are very small and covered with a sticky flesh that makes cleaning very hard. It takes a process called fermenting to properly clean the seeds. After removing seeds from the fruit and removing as much pulp as possible, place in a small container of water and let them soak for a few days. Drain the water and rub the seeds between a few sheets of absorbent paper towels. The outer flesh on seeds will come off easily. If seeds are not intended for planting right away, air dry and store in airtight container.

Cultural Requirements

• Use a well-drained, fertile soil amended with organic material and a pH ranging between 5 and 7 for optimal growth of guava tree. Choose a site receiving full sun and water trees regularly and deeply. Guavas are intolerant of drought and trees growing in dry soil bloom late and are prone to fruit drop. Apply fertilizers regularly as the trees have high nutritional needs. Recommended fertilizer is 1/2 lb. of actual nitrogen annually for mature trees.