When to Plant Guava in Alice Springs, Arid / Semi-Arid Guide
What this month normally looks like in Arid / Semi-Arid
In October the Arid / Semi-Arid zone normally runs 32°C by day and 16°C overnight, with about 19 mm of rain over 2 or 3 wet days. The coldest October night on record across the zone was 1.9°C, so a late frost is not out of the question. Averages 1991 to 2026, 10 postcodes, SILO.
Jump to section
This Guava guide is written for the Arid / Semi-Arid zone, which takes in Alice Springs, Broken Hill and Port Augusta. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.
Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Melbourne Canberra Perth
Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.
- Planting window
- Oct to Nov
- Sun
- Full sun
- Soil pH
- 6.6–7.3
Guava is a small, spreading evergreen tree with scented flowers and round fruit rich in vitamin C. It likes warmth, full sun and regular water. Mature trees take light frost, but young trees need cover.
Published · By GardenBuddy.au
Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Best Planting Window for Arid / Semi-Arid
- Jan -
- Feb -
- Mar -
- Apr -
- May -
- Jun -
- Jul -
- Aug -
- Sep -
- Oct P
- Nov P
- Dec -
P = Planting window
No arid climate source. It needs regular water, a warm sheltered position and frost cover (GrowVeg, Rob Pyne). Plant in spring and mulch. Fruit months are our estimate.
Want a nudge when it is sowing time?
One email a week with what is worth planting in the Arid / Semi-Arid zone right now, Guava included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.
How to Grow Guava in Arid / Semi-Arid Australia
- Soil
- Fertile, well drained soil (GrowVeg). Neutral, pH 6.6 to 7.3 (Daleys).
- Salt
- Moderately tolerant. Handles slightly salty water better than most veggies.
- pH Range
- 6.6-7.3
- Sunlight
- Full sun, 80 to 100 per cent (Daleys).
- Good companions
- Nasturtium, Chives, Comfrey, Borage, Lemongrass
- Keep away from
- Cucumber, Eggplant, Potato
Arid / Semi-Arid Growing Tips for Guava
Recommended Varieties
- Mexican Cream (self pollinating, fruits March to June, Daleys)
- Strawberry guava is a different species
Key Challenges
- Frost on inland winter nights
- Dry heat
Pro Tips
- Mulch and water regularly
- Warm sheltered position
Pests and problems for Guava in Arid / Semi-Arid
Harvesting Guava
When ready: Fruit turns from green to yellow green or yellow (GrowVeg). Fruit is ready 90 to 150 days after first bloom (Rob Pyne).
How to harvest: Pick every couple of days, since over ripe fruit attracts fruit fly.
What members get
- Soil and weather from your nearest station
- An email when it's time to sow
- Your own garden plan, including planning from a photo
- Price history and price alerts
- Pest risk alerts for your area
- Full salt and canning detail
Common Questions About Guava
When do you plant guava in Australia?
It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:
- Tropical (Cairns): all year
- Subtropical (Brisbane): Sep to Nov
- Warm Temperate (Sydney): Oct to Nov
- Cool Temperate (Melbourne): Nov
- Cold / Highland (Canberra): not recommended
- Arid / Semi-Arid (Alice Springs): Oct to Nov
- Mediterranean (Perth): Oct to Nov
When should I plant Guava in Alice Springs?
No arid climate source. It needs regular water, a warm sheltered position and frost cover (GrowVeg, Rob Pyne). Plant in spring and mulch. Fruit months are our estimate.
How do I know when Guava are ready to harvest?
Fruit turns from green to yellow green or yellow (GrowVeg). Fruit is ready 90 to 150 days after first bloom (Rob Pyne).
What are the best Guava varieties for Alice Springs?
Recommended varieties for the Arid / Semi-Arid zone include: Mexican Cream (self pollinating, fruits March to June, Daleys), Strawberry guava is a different species.
What grows well with Guava?
Good companion plants for Guava include: Nasturtium, Chives, Comfrey, Borage, Lemongrass.
Are guava salt tolerant?
Fairly. Guava are moderately tolerant of salt and handle slightly salty water better than most veggies.
Which zone am I in?
Type your postcode into the box near the top of the page and it tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Arid / Semi-Arid zone, Alice Springs is its reference city.