Position – Plant your guavadilla vine in full sun for the best flower and fruit production. Allow it to climb a fence or trellis – they are vigorous growers, so give them plenty of space.
Soil Type – Guavadilla plants have deep roots, so plant in deep and fertile soil that drains well and has a pH of between 6 and 6.5. Use good organic compost.
Watering – Guavadilla plants do not like being in waterlogged soil. After you have transplanted your guavadilla, water it daily in hot, dry weather or every second day in normal conditions.
Fertilising – An organic, slow-release fertiliser can be used in summer before fruiting has begun.
Pruning – If yours is a cooler climate, prune your guavadilla in the latter part of winter. In hotter climates, prune it immediately after fruiting.
It is very important to prune well once the plant has flourished. Cut old or dead shoots down completely and trim the healthier branches to about a third. Even remove many of them completely to ensure good air circulation; this will stimulate new growth. Fruit only grows on new growth.
Pests – Spray your guavadilla vine with an organic pesticide like Neem oil mixed with a small amount of dishwashing liquid in 1 litre of water. You cannot keep this mixture for more than 8 hours, but it can be used on all your fruit trees every two weeks for the prevention of pests, aphids, etc.
Harvesting – When the fruits are ready, they drop onto the ground. Place them into the fridge immediately to prevent the insides from moulding.
