The blueberry guava tree, also known as Psidium cattleyanum or Cattley guava, is a species of guava native to Brazil. It was named after William Cattley, a 19th-century English horticulturist who first cultivated the plant in Europe. The tree is a member of the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, which includes other well-known fruits like feijoa and jaboticaba.
As for the tree, it’s a small, evergreen shrub that grows to about 3 to 6 meters in height. It has a dense, spreading canopy and can be grown as an ornamental plant or for its fruit. The tree is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
The blueberry guava is a small, round fruit that’s about 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter. It has a thin, dark purple skin and a soft, juicy, and sweet flesh. The flesh has a unique flavor that’s a mix of sweet and tart, with a hint of blueberry and a slightly musky undertone.
The lifespan of a blueberry guava tree can vary depending on several factors, such as the growing conditions, climate, and care it receives. On average, a healthy blueberry guava tree can live for several decades, with some trees even reaching the ripe old age of 40 years or more!
The blueberry guava tree is a fast-growing plant that’s well worth the effort. It reaches heights of up to 10 feet in just a few years. In fact, some trees can even grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide!
Where to grow blueberry guava tree
- USDA Hardiness Zones: These trees can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. This means that they can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6.7°C) and as high as 40°F (4.4°C). If you live in a colder climate, you can still grow blueberry guava trees in containers and bring them indoors during the winter months.
- Soil: Blueberry guava trees prefer well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, they do not like wet or waterlogged soils, so make sure to plant them in an area with good drainage.
- Sunlight: These trees love the sun! They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. If you live in a hot climate, you can provide some afternoon shade to protect the tree from the scorching sun.
- Humidity: Blueberry guava trees love high humidity. If you live in a dry climate, you can increase the humidity around the tree by misting it with water or placing a tray of water near the tree.
- Space: These trees can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, so make sure to give them enough room to grow. If you’re planting them in a container, make sure to use a large pot with good drainage.