When to Plant Guava in Tulare County, CA
May in the garden — Tulare County, California
A quick May briefing for Tulare 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.
Tulare County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.
At an elevation of 5,836 feet, Tulare County receives approximately 18.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°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.
Tulare County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.2
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 Tulare County
How your county's soil matches Guava's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.2) overlaps with Guava's range (5.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Tulare County is excellent for Guava — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 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" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Tulare 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 — Tulare County, CA
Guava Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
289 days in Tulare County
Growing Tips for Guava in Tulare County
Direct sow Guava outdoors after February 17 in Tulare County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 290.0-day growing season in Tulare County is tight for Guava (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Tulare County receives only 18" 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 Tulare County, CA?
Tulare County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Guava planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tulare County, CA?
Tulare County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is December 3.
Your Tulare County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tulare County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.