How to Winterize a Guava Tree

Guava fruits make delicious jams and jellies.

Guava trees come in several varieties -- lemon and purple strawberry are just a couple of examples -- that produce delicious fruit that can be eaten right off the tree. Guava fruit is used to make jams and jellies, along with juice. Although guavas are hardy trees, they prefer sunlight and cold snaps can do damage. If a frost is expected or temperatures are dipping below 29 degrees Fahrenheit, lend your guava tree protection by winterizing it with shelter, fabric and lights.

Things You'll Need

• Blanket or frost cloth
• Light source
• PVC pipe, 1.5-inch

Instructions

1. Plant your guava in a suitable location. Choose a spot where sunlight can reach the tree, even in colder months. If you are planting near a building, select the side with the most access to the sun.

2. Provide shelter. Erect a frame covered in fabric over the guava tree during cold snaps. For instance, you can use 1.5-inch PVC pipe to create a scaffold-style shelter. Attach the shelter to the ground, then secure the fabric to create a tent effect. This will prevent cold air from entering. Frost cloth or a blanket are suitable fabrics.

3. Warm the tree with electric lights. Add lights to the frame to heat the tree and prevent it from freezing. Choose incandescent bulbs with grounded outdoor cords or metal light cages such as those used by mechanics during car repairs. Strands of tree lights are another option.

Tips & Warnings

• Take guavas in pots inside during cold snaps.

References

• Tropical Mango Rare & Exotic Fruit Nursery: How Not to Kill Your Guava Tree
• PhoenixTropicals.com: Frost Damage to Tropical Plants
• University of Hawaii; Guava; Shigeura, G. T. and R. M. Bullock