Cherry guava also known as Strawberry guava, is a vibrant red or yellow guava that is now being farmed by only a few early birds in Kenya. This sweet variety of guava is said to have originated from Brazil. In Kenya, this delightful fruit has gained popularity for its sweet taste and nutritional value. Known for its sweet and aromatic flavor, cherry guava has become a sought-after exotic fruit in the Kenyan market. The rising interest in diverse and nutritious fruits has contributed to the increasing popularity of cherry guava.
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| A cherry guava plant. |
Ideal soils and climatic conditions for the growth of Cherry Guava
Cherry
guavas thrive in sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. The soils
should be slightly acid to neutral with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. Good
drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging, which can adversely affect the
roots.
Cherry guavas flourish best in areas with full sunlight and temperatures of between 25°C to 30°C. While it can tolerate brief periods of cooler temperatures, frost can cause you serious losses in cherry guava farming.
Cherry
guava requires consistent rainfall or access to irrigation during the dry
seasons. Adequate water supply is particularly crucial during flowering,
fruiting stages, and all other important processes of a plant.
How
do I cultivate my cherry guava?
Cultivating
cherry guavas involves several key steps such as:
1.
Site selection
ü Choose
a well-drained location with full sunlight exposure.
ü Ensure
the soil in that site is rich in organic matter, slightly acidic to neutral pH,
and has good drainage.
2.
Planting
ü Cherry
guavas can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. When planting either of
them, it is very necessary to ensure proper spacing between the plants.
3.
Watering
ü Provide
regular and consistent watering, especially during dry periods. However, avoid
waterlogging since cherry guavas prefers well- drained soil.
4.
Application of fertilizers
ü During
the growing season, it is necessary to use balanced fertilizers to support
healthy plant development.
ü Incorporate
organic matter into the soil for added nutrients.
5.
Pruning
ü Regular
pruning is important as it helps shape the plant, control its size, and enhance
fruit production.
ü It
helps in removal of dead or diseased branches to maintain overall plant health.
6.
Pest and Disease management
Cherry
guavas are susceptible to various pests that include.
·
Aphids
Aphids feed on the sap of
the cherry guava leaves, causing distortion and stunted growth.
·
Fruit flies
They lay eggs on the
ripening guavas, leading to damage and potential loss.
·
White flies
These insects feed on the
plant sap and can transmit diseases, leading to reduced plant vigor.
·
Scale insects
Scale insects also feed on the plant
sap, resulting in reduced vigor, yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and
wilting.
Implementing
preventive measures such as regular inspection, maintaining plant health, and
using organic or chemical controls, when necessary, can help manage these pests
effectively. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can be employed to
minimize the impact of pests on the cherry guavas.
Maturity
period for cherry guava.
The
maturity period for cherry guava can vary depending on factors such as the
specific variety of cherry guava, growing conditions, and cultivation practices
but it generally begins to produce fruits within 2 or 3 years after planting.
Regular
pruning and proper care during the early years can contribute to earlier
fruiting. Once the cherry guava reaches maturity, harvesting time becomes
regular.
Nutritional benefits.
Cherry guava is not only a tasty fruit but also packs a nutritional punch. It is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, promotes healthy skin, and aids in collagen production. It also contains dietary fiber which aids in digestion, promotes bowel movement, and contributes to a feeling of fullness. Cherry guavas are also rich in Vitamin A and E which play a role in maintaining healthy skin, vision, and overall immune functions.
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