Guava is a hardy tropical fruit tree that grows abundantly in Mauritius, both cultivated and wild. The fruit is eaten fresh, made into juice, jam, and the famous Mauritian "pâte de goyave" (guava paste). Rich in vitamin C.

Local names: Goyav, Goyave, Guava

Months: September, October, November, December

Plant from September to December at the start of the warm, rainy season for best establishment.

• Soil type: Adaptable to most soils — loamy, sandy, or clay
• pH: 5.0–7.0
• Compost: Add compost to the planting hole. Guava is not fussy about soil but produces better fruit in enriched ground.

• Seed type: Grafted saplings or air-layered plants (for true-to-type fruit)
• Spacing: 4–6 metres between trees
• Watering: Moderate watering, 1–2 times per week. Drought-tolerant once established.
• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)

Organic options:

• Compost
• Cow manure
• Bone meal

Chemical options:

• NPK 10-10-10 twice yearly

Fruit fly

• Natural remedy: Protein bait traps and fruit bagging
• Chemical fallback: Malathion bait spray

Guava moth

• Natural remedy: Remove fallen fruit and use pheromone traps
• Chemical fallback: Carbaryl

• Days to maturity: 2–3 years from planting; fruits mature 3–4 months after flowering
• Indicators: Skin changes from dark green to light green or yellow. Strong sweet aroma. Fruit gives slightly when pressed.
• Yield tips: Prune after harvest to encourage new fruiting wood. Thin fruits for larger individual size.

• Duration: 3–5 days once ripe
• Temperature: Ripen at room temperature, refrigerate when ripe
• Tips: Make jam or paste for long-term preservation. Freeze pulp for juice and smoothies.