Guava Ruby Supreme

Guava Ruby Supreme Growing Guide

Taste

The Ruby Supreme Guava (Psidium guajava ‘Ruby Supreme’) is known for its aromatic, tropical flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The flesh is a vibrant pinkish-red with a soft, juicy texture that melts in the mouth. The flavor profile includes hints of strawberry and pear, making it an excellent choice for fresh eating, smoothies, jams, and desserts. The skin is thin, often consumed along with the fruit, adding a slightly tangy bite. When fully ripe, the fruit releases a strong, sweet fragrance that enhances its appeal.

Best Growing Environment

Ruby Supreme Guava thrives in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates, where it receives plenty of sunlight and warmth. It grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils with good organic matter content. This guava variety is adaptable and can be grown in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, provided there is proper drainage. While it prefers tropical conditions, it can tolerate brief cold spells if properly protected. It grows well in humid regions but can also handle drier conditions with supplemental watering.

Common Names

• Ruby Supreme Guava
• Tropical Pink Guava
• Psidium guajava ‘Ruby Supreme’

Average Height & Growth Rate

Ruby Supreme Guava is a fast-growing tree that typically reaches 10 to 20 feet in height when planted in the ground but can be maintained smaller with regular pruning. It can also be grown in a container, where it remains more compact, usually around 5 to 8 feet tall. The growth rate is moderate to fast, often adding 2 to 3 feet per year under optimal conditions.

Sun Requirements

This guava tree requires full sun for the best fruit production, ideally at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate partial shade, fruiting may be significantly reduced. In regions with intense summer heat, some afternoon shade can help prevent stress.

Cold Hardiness

Ruby Supreme Guava is best suited for USDA zones 9-11. It can tolerate temperatures down to 28-30°F for short periods but may suffer damage or die back if exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures. In zone 8, it can be grown in a container and moved indoors or to a greenhouse during cold spells. Protection, such as frost cloths or mulch around the base, can help minimize cold damage.

Water Requirements

Guava trees prefer moderate but consistent watering, especially during establishment and fruiting. Watering 2-3 times per week is recommended for young trees, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but will produce the best fruit when watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and soil drainage. During hot, dry periods, increased watering is necessary to prevent fruit drop and dehydration.

Planting Guide

1. Location: Choose a sunny, well-drained area with space for the tree to grow. If growing in a container, select a large pot with drainage holes.
2. Soil Preparation: Prepare the planting site by loosening the soil and mixing in organic compost to improve fertility and drainage.
3. Planting Depth: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
4. Backfilling: Refill the hole with soil and gently tamp it down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
5. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.
6. Staking (if needed): If the tree is young and weak, provide support with a stake to help it establish upright growth.

Fertilizing Guide

Regular fertilization is key to promoting healthy growth and abundant fruiting. Use a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 or 8-3-9) formulated for fruit trees. Apply fertilizers as follows:

• Early Spring (March-April): Apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage vegetative growth. A slow-release or granular fertilizer works well.
• Late Spring to Early Summer (May-July): Use a high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote flowering and fruit set. A fertilizer with micronutrients like zinc and iron is beneficial.
• Late Summer to Early Fall (August-September): Continue fertilizing with a balanced mix, but reduce nitrogen to prevent excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting.
• Winter (Optional, if mild): In warmer climates, a light application of organic compost or manure can be used to sustain nutrient levels.

For container-grown trees, monthly feeding with a water-soluble fertilizer or liquid seaweed extract can be beneficial. Always water before and after applying fertilizers to prevent root burn.

USDA Zone

The Ruby Supreme Guava is best suited for USDA zones 9-11, where it can grow year-round. In cooler zones, it can be grown in a container and brought indoors during colder months.

With proper care, the Ruby Supreme Guava will reward you with delicious, aromatic fruit and a lush, tropical appearance in your garden or home orchard.