When to Plant Guava in Kings County, CA
What to do in May
A quick May briefing for Kings County, California gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
Guava is a tropical fruit tree producing fragrant, vitamin C-rich fruits with pink, white, or yellow flesh. Some varieties can tolerate brief cold snaps.
Kings County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 291 days.
At an elevation of 2,065 feet, Kings County receives approximately 18.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Guava may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Guava successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Kings County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Kings County
How your county's soil matches Guava's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.4) overlaps with Guava's range (5.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kings County is excellent for Guava — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Guava.
How to Plant Guava
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Guava
Guava needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Guava Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Kings County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Guava Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Guava Planting Timeline — Kings County, CA
Guava Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
291 days in Kings County
Growing Tips for Guava in Kings County
Direct sow Guava outdoors after February 14 in Kings County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Kings County, provide afternoon shade for Guava and water deeply in the morning.
Your 292.0-day growing season in Kings County is tight for Guava (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Kings County receives only 19" of rain annually. Guava needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant in a sheltered location with full sun. Water regularly during fruiting. In marginal zones, grow in large containers. Prune to maintain size and shape. Fruits ripen year-round in the tropics.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Guava in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Guava in Kings County, CA?
Kings County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Guava planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kings County, CA?
Kings County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 2.
Your Kings County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kings County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.