Love it? Add to your wishlist
Your favorites, all in one place. Shop quickly and easily with the wishlist feature!
[title]
[message]Veliyath Gardens
Couldn't load pickup availability
Few fruiting trees combine ornamental beauty, irresistible flavor, and effortless maintenance like the Red Strawberry Guava. Known for its crimson fruits bursting with tropical fragrance and berry-like sweetness, this small tree brings both visual charm and nutritional wealth to your garden. With origins spread across Central and South America, this variety of guava has now become a beloved fruit across the tropics.
The Red Strawberry Guava is celebrated globally and goes by different names in different regions, reflecting its versatility and popularity:
Common Names: Strawberry Guava, Cattley Guava, Cherry Guava
In India: Amrood (common for guava)
In Brazil: Araçá vermelho
In the Philippines and Caribbean: Referred to by locals as Wild Guava or Mountain Guava
Its botanical name, Psidium cattleianum, identifies it as part of the Myrtaceae family, and its close relation to the common guava (Psidium guajava) gives it a rich heritage of health benefits and cultural uses.
This plant’s appeal starts with its striking appearance. It’s compact, evergreen, and highly productive even in smaller garden spaces.
Size: Small to medium-sized tree, typically growing 6 to 12 feet tall
Fruits: Round to oval, 2 to 4 cm in size, maturing from light green to vivid red
Fruiting Time: Begins to bear fruit within 1–2 years of planting
Blooms: Delicate white flowers appear before fruiting and are mildly fragrant
Leaves: Glossy green, oval-shaped, contributing to the plant's year-round appeal
It can also be grown in large containers, making it ideal for terrace gardening or compact landscapes.
The fruit has a soft, aromatic pulp with tiny edible seeds. Its flavor is a delightful surprise—a balance between sweetness and floral notes, often compared to:
Ripe strawberries
Hints of rose petals
A touch of tropical tanginess
This makes it not only refreshing when eaten fresh but also a perfect fruit to incorporate into both sweet and savory dishes.
The Red Strawberry Guava can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Its soft texture and bold flavor lend well to:
Eating fresh off the tree as a juicy snack
Preparing homemade jams, jellies, and compotes
Blending into smoothies and tropical juices
Baking into pies, tarts, and fruit-filled cakes
Brewing into herbal teas or fermenting into guava wine
The skin is tender, and the seeds are edible, eliminating the need for any extensive preparation before consumption.
A daily bite of Red Strawberry Guava is more than delicious—it’s also deeply nourishing. These small fruits pack a powerful punch of essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and promotes collagen production
Vitamin A and B-complex: Supports vision, skin health, and energy metabolism
Dietary Fiber: Improves digestion and regulates blood sugar levels
Antioxidants: Reduces oxidative stress and may protect against cellular aging
Potassium and Magnesium: Aid in maintaining heart health and fluid balance
In traditional medicinal practices, strawberry guava has been used to:
Relieve diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort
Treat sore throats and minor respiratory issues
Support skin health through poultices made from crushed leaves and bark
One of the most appealing aspects of this fruit plant is its low-maintenance nature, making it an excellent choice for novice and experienced gardeners alike.
Light: Prefers full sunlight but tolerates partial shade
Soil: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
Watering: Regular watering during dry spells; drought-tolerant once established
Pruning: Occasional pruning after fruiting season helps maintain shape and vigor
Pest Resistance: Naturally resistant to many pests and diseases
Its resilience and adaptability make it a favored option for tropical and subtropical climates.
To enjoy the fruit beyond harvest, simple preservation techniques can be followed:
Refrigeration: Fresh fruits last up to a week when stored in the fridge
Freezing: Pulp can be extracted and frozen for smoothies or sorbets
Jam Making: Guava preserves and compotes retain flavor for several months
Drying: Dehydrated guava slices make an excellent travel snack
This allows the harvest to be enjoyed year-round, even after the fruiting season ends.
Though less commonly referenced in folklore compared to its cousin, the common guava, the Red Strawberry Guava holds a gentle presence in the homes and gardens where it grows:
In Brazil, it is associated with natural forest gardens and is often shared among neighbors during harvest time
In Caribbean households, the fruit is served during family gatherings and festive occasions
In Southeast Asia, it’s gaining popularity for its ornamental value and compact growth, fitting well into urban gardening trends
Its sweet taste and soft aroma evoke a sense of childhood nostalgia and homestead simplicity.
There are countless reasons to bring home a Red Strawberry Guava plant from Veliyath Gardens:
Dual-purpose Beauty: Fruits generously while adding greenery to your landscape
Quick Fruiting: Bears delicious fruit within a year or two of planting
Compact Growth: Suitable for backyards, terrace gardens, and containers
Nutritious and Medicinal: Supports everyday health in the most natural way
Low Maintenance: A forgiving plant that rewards with very little demand
The Red Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum) is more than just a delightful tropical treat—it's a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and health. With its ability to blend seamlessly into small gardens while offering vibrant fruits, this plant stands as a charming companion for fruit lovers and garden enthusiasts alike.
At Veliyath Gardens, we grow these plants with care, ready for you to take home and enjoy. Add this exotic, fragrant fruiting plant to your green space and let its gentle magic become part of your daily life.
