Can You Successfully Grow Guava In Nz? A Guide For Kiwi Gardeners

To successfully grow guava from seeds in New Zealand, it’s essential to address seed dormancy before planting. Breaking seed dormancy can be achieved through two effective methods. The first method involves placing the guava seeds in a pot of boiling water for approximately five minutes. Alternatively, you can choose to soak the seeds in water for a period of two weeks prior to planting. Both of these techniques serve the purpose of softening the seed coat, which is a critical step in accelerating the germination process. By implementing these methods, you can increase your chances of successfully growing guava plants from seeds in the New Zealand climate. (Note: The date mentioned in the original passage, September 15, 2022, does not appear to be directly relevant to the topic and has been omitted in this rewrite.)

In New Zealand, one of the most prevalent pests affecting guava and various other fruits is the guava moth. This pest poses a year-round threat, laying eggs in a wide array of fruits and nuts, such as citrus, loquat, plums, peaches, pears, apples, macadamia, feijoa, and of course, guava. When a fruit becomes infested, it displays outward signs of circular brown patches, accompanied by the presence of excreta, known as frass, extruding from the affected areas. This can lead to significant damage and loss for growers.