Getting a good dose of vitamin C fresh from the garden
WITH the extremely hot weather at present, many of us are not feeling our best and may need a boost of vitamin C. Guava is known to be one of the local fruits with the highest content of vitamin C. How about introducing this tree to your home garden so that you can benefit from the fruits straight from the backyard?
Background
Guava actually has its origins in Peru, South America as well as Mexico, Central America. According to records, the Spanish brought the fruit to the Philippines in 1526. From there, it quickly spread to the whole of Southeast Asia and even to India. This fruit came to known as jambu in Melaka in the 19th century.
Today we have various cultivars such as Kampuchea, Dam Rung, and Crystal seedless. Large-scale guava cultivation for juice was popular in Peninsular Malaysia in the last decade.
Guava trees are tropical and sub-tropical. They can achieve a height of 20 feet. Growing guava requires a suitable location with sunny weather. It will thrive in any soil with good drainage and full sun, which will encourage it to flower and produce fruits.
The growing of guava in Malaysia is only for table fruit and fresh juice. Most guava in Malaysia are intercropped with other fruit by small-time farmers.
Cultivation
Guava can be propagated by seeds or vegetative means. Seedlings raised from seeds may not produce plantings that are true to the source material. Vegetative methods of propagation such as grafting or marcotting are preferred for quality control. Guava can be grown in soil pH ranging from 4.2 to 8.2 like acid sulphate and peat soil. Due to our soil conditions, fertiliser is necessary to promote the health of the tree. For best results, add NPK with dolomite, magnesium, calcium, and sulphur as minor elements. Guava trees need a high amount of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash, along with magnesium for maximum fruit production. Fertilise the growing trees every one to two months while young, and then every three to four months once the tree has matured. Water frequently after planting and keep mature trees moderately moist during blooming and fruiting seasons.
Pests and diseases
The constraints of large-scale planting are mainly due to the presence of several fungal diseases and pests that are costly to prevent and control. The fruit fly is the main problem that requires several methods of prevention such as bagging, hormone baiting, and spraying with insecticides.
The high humidity of our climate makes the guava susceptible to fungal attacks such as anthracnose, ring rot, and spots. Root nematode disease is another great destroyer of the tree and can cause a yield loss of up to 50 per cent.
Uses of guava
Being rich in Vitamin C – three to six times higher than oranges – guava is used as a juice, nectar, puree, jam, jelly, and dried as chips.
Traditionally, the leaves were used for tea and for dyeing cotton, silk, and straw.
The wood from the tree is good for charcoal and can also be fashioned into handles for various tools.
Pineapple guava
In New Zealand, I was given this feijoa fruit by a friend, who asked me to try to grow in Malaysia. The name is derived from the flavour of the fragrant fruit.
The tree is relatively small and can be planted in pot or small space. It will grow up to 15 feet tall in a natural setting.
The tree is an attractive evergreen tree or shrub with many landscapes uses.
The flowers are actually edible and the fruit is dark green in colour and does not really turn yellow even when it is ripe. The fruits are tasty and fragrant.
The tree is quite easy to care for and does not require much pruning.
Use a rich and well-drained soil that is acidic or just slightly alkaline. If the pH is too high, the leaves will start to yellow. Be sure to water the plant regularly.
Do send me an email if you have questions, comments, or suggestions. Happy gardening.