Care in the first three years

Young guava plants need water in dry months, a weeded and mulched basin, protection from cattle and early shaping into a low, open tree.

Shaping. NHB suggests keeping the first 60–90 cm of the trunk clear of branches, then letting 4–5 main branches grow about 20–25 cm apart, and cutting back the top when the plant is about 1.5–1.8 m tall so the centre stays open. Vikaspedia's calendar says to remove shoots that come from the base of the trunk, up to about 50–75 cm. TNAU suggests trimming the tips of the previous season's shoots by 10–15 cm in September–October and February–March to encourage side shoots, which carry the flowers.

Weeds, mulch and drainage. Weed the basin about once a month in the rains and mulch it with paddy straw, husk, groundnut shells or dry leaves (Vikaspedia), kept a hand's width from the stem (practical guidance). Vikaspedia warns that standing water turns the leaves yellow and makes plants wilt, so dig a small drain if water collects.

Frost. In the north, cover a young plant loosely with a jute or straw hood on nights when IMD warns of frost, and remove it in the morning (practical guidance).

Watering in years two and three. NHB says trees of 2–5 years need watering about every 4–5 days in the dry season; treat this as a rough starting point, check the soil first and water less in cool weather.

Flowering seasons (bahar). NHB describes three flowering seasons: February–March flowers give a rainy-season crop in July–August, June–July flowers a winter crop in November–December, and October–November flowers a crop in March–April. NHB says it is better to take only one crop a year; in north India the winter crop is better, and on lighter soils orchards hold back water to choose the season; this is a commercial practice a home tree does not need. Ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) if you want to try it.

Pests and diseases. TNAU lists tea mosquito bug, aphids, mealybugs, fruit flies and red rust, and NHB adds wilt, anthracnose and scab. If you see wilting branches, white cottony insects, dark sunken spots, rusty patches on leaves or maggots in the fruit, take a sample or clear photos to your local KVK or horticulture office, and do not spray anything without their advice.