Description

Guava Seedlings

Unlock the potential of guava farming with Organic Farm’s certified guava seedlings (Psidium guajava), featuring high-quality white and red varieties. These sweet, nutrient-rich fruits, packed with vitamins A, C, calcium, and antioxidants, are a popular yet underutilized crop in Kenya, offering immense market potential for fresh consumption, juices, jams, and desserts. Organically propagated in Muranga, Kenya, our KEPHIS-certified seedlings are carefully selected for vigor, adaptability, and high yields, making them ideal for small-scale and commercial farmers looking to diversify their income.

Benefits of Guava Farming

• Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamin C (4x that of oranges), fiber, and antioxidants, guavas support immunity, digestion, and heart health, with leaves used for medicinal teas.

• Versatile Uses: Enjoy fresh, or process into juices, jams, jellies, chutneys, or desserts; guava byproducts like seeds and skins are used in cosmetics and animal feed.

• High Profitability: Yields 5–20 tonnes per acre, fetching KSh 50–150/kg locally and KSh 200/kg for exports, generating KSh 250,000–3 million per acre annually. Kenya’s guava market is underserved, with imports from Israel and Egypt highlighting local production gaps.

• Low Maintenance: Hardy, drought-tolerant trees require minimal fertilizer, irrigation, and pest control, producing reliable crops with basic care.

Favorable Climates for Guavas in Kenya

Guavas thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures of 15–35°C and annual rainfall of 1,000–2,000mm, adapting to semi-arid conditions with irrigation.

Suitable Regions in Kenya

• Eastern Kenya: Makueni, Machakos, Kitui

• Coastal Kenya: Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale

• Central Kenya: Murang’a, Thika, Nyeri

• Rift Valley: Nakuru, Baringo

• Western Kenya: Bungoma, Kakamega, Siaya

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained loamy, sandy loam, or clay soils; avoid waterlogged areas.

• Soil pH: 5.0–8.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline); test and amend with lime if needed.

• Nutrients: Rich in organic matter; incorporate manure or compost for optimal growth.

• Depth: Deep soils support robust root systems.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Guava Seedlings

Site Preparation

• Select a sunny site with 6–8 hours of sunlight and protection from strong winds; install windbreaks if necessary.

• Clear weeds, rocks, and debris; plow to loosen soil and ensure proper drainage.

• Test soil pH and enrich with organic matter to boost fertility.

Hole Preparation

• Dig holes 60cm x 60cm x 60cm (2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft), spaced 6–8m apart (25–50 trees per acre) depending on variety and growth habit.

• Mix topsoil with 10–15kg well-decomposed manure and 125g double superphosphate fertilizer.

Planting Seedlings

• Use KEPHIS-certified seedlings (white or red guava) from trusted nurseries like Organic Farm for consistent quality and faster establishment.

• Plant in early rainy seasons (March–May or October–November), placing seedlings at nursery depth with roots spread naturally; backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly.

• Soak roots in water for 2–3 hours before planting to reduce transplant shock.

Mulching

• Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (e.g., straw, wood chips) around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich soil, keeping mulch 5cm from the trunk.

Caring for Guava Trees

• Irrigation: Water young seedlings every 2–3 days during dry periods (20–30 liters per tree weekly); mature trees need irrigation only during prolonged droughts or fruiting to prevent fruit drop. Use drip irrigation for efficiency.

• Fertilization: Apply NPK 10:10:10 or organic compost twice yearly for young trees; mature trees benefit from potassium-rich fertilizers (e.g., NPK 12:12:24) during fruiting. Base applications on soil tests.

• Pruning: Prune annually to shape trees, maintain height (2–3m for dwarf varieties), and remove dead or diseased branches; bend shoots to induce flowering and improve yields.

• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests (fruit flies, aphids) and diseases (anthracnose, root rot); use neem oil, pheromone traps, or fungicides like RANSOM 600WP. Maintain orchard hygiene to minimize risks.

Plant Population and Spacing

• Spacing: 6–8m (20–26 ft) for standard varieties; 4–5m for dwarf varieties like Kaari.

• Population: 25–50 trees per acre for standard; up to 100 for dwarf varieties.

Expected Production

• Per Tree: 100–500 kg of fruit annually at maturity (3–5 years), with dwarf varieties yielding 50–200 kg.

• Per Acre: 5–20 tonnes per acre, yielding KSh 250,000–3 million at KSh 50–150/kg, depending on variety, management, and market access.

• Fruiting Timeline: Begins 2–3 years after planting, with peak production at 5–7 years; trees produce for 15–30 years.

Why Choose Organic Farm’s Guava Seedlings?

Organic Farm is a trusted leader in sustainable agriculture in Kenya, empowering farmers with quality inputs. Our guava seedlings offer:

• KEPHIS-Certified Quality: Propagated from select white and red guava varieties (e.g., Red Ruby, Pink Supreme, Fahari, Kaari) for high yields, flavor, and market appeal, certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.

• Superior Varieties:

  • White Guava: Mild, sweet, greenish-white flesh; ideal for juices, jams, and fresh consumption.

  • Red Guava: Rich, tangy, pink-red flesh; popular for fresh eating, salads, and smoothies.

  • Fahari: High-yielding, red-pink flesh, disease-resistant, developed by Kenya’s Horticultural Research Institute.

  • Kaari: Dwarf, compact, sweet, developed for commercial cultivation.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance on planting, irrigation, pest control, and market linkages, including value addition for juices and jams.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Organic propagation ensures soil health and biodiversity, aligned with good agricultural practices (GAP).

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya (e.g., Makueni, Murang’a, Nairobi) and East Africa.

Capitalize on Kenya’s underserved guava market, driven by rising demand for fresh and processed products, with Organic Farm’s certified seedlings. Order now to establish a thriving orchard that delivers nutritious, profitable harvests for decades!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com