Giant Thai White Guava PLANT – Psidium guajava – Heirloom & Untreated – Large, Crisp & Sweet Fruit
Bring the taste of the tropics to your garden with this heirloom, untreated Giant Thai White Guava plant (Psidium guajava). This premium variety is prized for its exceptionally large, round fruit, which can weigh between 300 and 600 grams each – often described as softball-sized. Beneath its light green skin lies a thick, crisp, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavour and a pleasant, refreshing crunch.
Unlike many guavas that become soft and mushy when ripe, the Thai White is enjoyed for its firm texture, often eaten while still slightly underripe for maximum crispness. It is a vigorous, fast-growing evergreen tree that is surprisingly adaptable. In warm climates, it grows into a productive small to medium tree, and in cooler regions, it thrives beautifully in a large container, making it accessible to gardeners across Australia.
Do you need more space to grow food? Check out our fantastic extra-large grow bags here.
Uses:
Fresh Eating: The fruit is most commonly enjoyed fresh and raw. Its crisp texture and mild sweetness make it a refreshing snack, often dipped in a mix of salt, sugar, and chili in its native Southeast Asia.
Salads: The firm, unripe fruit is a popular addition to savoury salads, adding a crunchy, tart element similar to green papaya or mango.
Juices & Smoothies: Blend the ripe fruit into refreshing juices, smoothies, and nectars.
Preserves: The fruit can be cooked down into jams, jellies, and pastes.
Container Growing: Its compact nature and tolerance of pruning make it an excellent candidate for a large pot or grow bag (available in our online store), allowing you to harvest tropical fruit on a patio or balcony.
Nutrients & Health Benefits:
Guava is often called the “King of Vitamin C,” and the Thai White variety is no exception. It is a nutritional powerhouse with a wide range of documented health benefits.
Exceptional Vitamin C Content: A single serving provides a massive dose of vitamin C – approximately 228 mg per 100 grams, which is significantly higher than oranges and crucial for immune function and antioxidant support.
High in Dietary Fibre: Contains around 5.4 grams of fibre per 100 grams, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Antioxidants: The fruit is packed with natural antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Supports Heart Health: Studies indicate that guava pulp may have a favourable effect on lipid levels and blood sugar.
Traditional Medicine: Psidium guajava has a long history of use in folk medicine across the world. Traditionally, various parts of the plant have been used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, stomach issues, and skin problems, and the leaves are particularly rich in antioxidant compounds.
Note: Always do your own research before using any plant medicinally. The information provided is for educational purposes only.
Growing Conditions & Planting Tips:
The Giant Thai White Guava is remarkably easy to grow and rewards you with prolific harvests.
Climate: Best suited for tropical and subtropical regions (QLD, NT, northern NSW). It is relatively cold-hardy for a tropical fruit, tolerating light frost to about -1°C for short periods once mature. Young plants need protection. In cooler areas (VIC, SA, southern NSW), grow it in a large pot and move it to a sheltered position or indoors during winter.
Position: Requires full sun for the best fruit production and flavour. Young trees appreciate some protection from harsh afternoon sun. Indoors, give it the brightest spot possible.
Soil: Not fussy about soil quality, but performs best in well-drained loamy soil with a pH between 5.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky ground.
Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during the growing season and while the fruit is developing. Water when the top layer of soil begins to dry out. It has a high flood tolerance, making it more forgiving of occasional overwatering than many other fruit trees.
Fertilising: Feed with a balanced organic fertiliser during the growing season to support healthy growth and a large crop.
Pruning: The tree can grow up to 4.5–6 metres, but it responds very well to pruning. Keep it to a manageable height of 2–3 metres for easier harvesting, especially in a container.
Container Growing: An excellent choice for a large pot or grow bag (40L+). Use a quality potting mix with good drainage. Container-grown plants will need more consistent watering and occasional feeding.
Fruiting: In about 2–3 years, with full production from 4–5 years. The main harvest season is often in the cooler months, with a potential second crop in the wet season.
Care After Receiving Your Plant:
Your Guava plant has been grown with love. Follow these steps for a smooth transition:
Unpack immediately – Remove the plant from packaging. Check the soil; if dry, give it a light drink.
Rest & recover – Place the plant in a sheltered, shaded spot out of strong wind for 2–3 days to reduce transplant shock.
Slow sun introduction – Introduce to full sun gradually over 5–7 days to avoid leaf burn.
Transplant – Repot into a larger container or plant directly into the ground. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the plant at the same depth it was in the pot.
Water in well – Give it a deep, thorough watering straight after planting. Thereafter, water regularly.
Mulch lightly – Apply a layer of sugarcane or straw mulch around the base, keeping it away from the stem, to retain moisture.
No fertiliser for 2 weeks – Let the plant settle before feeding.
What You Will Receive:
One young, healthy Giant Thai White Guava plant (Psidium guajava) in a small nursery pot, grown heirloom, untreated, and with love in my permaculture food forest (Pacific Haven, QLD).
Shipping & Important Notes:
Dispatch: We usually send plants on Mondays or/and Tuesday to ensure they arrive fresh and before the weekend.
Shipping locations: Sending within Australia only, excluding Norfolk Island, NT, SA, TAS, and WA.
Pickup: Available by appointment from Pacific Haven, QLD.
Please Note: Do your own research before trying any new foods. Also refer to our full disclaimer in the footer of this page.
