When to plant Guava in Gotha, FL
Plant Guava in Gotha during the brief February 17–March 3 window. With 322 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before December 21.
When to Plant Guava in Gotha, FL
June in the garden — Orange County, Florida
Your garden in Orange County, Florida is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Survive, don't thrive
June-August is endurance gardening. Keep okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, and southern peas alive. Harvest everything daily before the heat damages produce on the vine.
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Start fall tomato seeds indoors
Yes, indoors — under lights or in AC. They'll be ready to transplant in August when temperatures briefly moderate.
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Add compost to empty beds
Empty beds get a thick layer of compost + mulch to suppress weeds and feed the soil for fall planting.
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.
Gotha, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 3 and the first fall frost is December 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.
At an elevation of 494 feet, Orange County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Guava may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Guava will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Guava root diseases.
Gotha Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Guava 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 Gotha
How your county's soil matches Guava's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is within Guava's preferred range (5.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Orange County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Guava will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Guava.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Guava.
How to Plant Guava
Guava Water Budget
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 | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Orange 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 — Gotha, FL
Guava Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
· 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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
321 days in Orange County
Growing Tips for Guava in Gotha
Direct sow Guava outdoors after February 03 in Orange County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Orange County dries quickly — mulch Guava with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in Orange County, provide afternoon shade for Guava and water deeply in the morning.
Your 322.0-day growing season in Orange County is tight for Guava (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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
When should I plant Guava in Gotha, FL?
In Gotha, FL, plant Guava after the last frost (around February 3) and before the first frost (around December 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Gotha, FL for Guava?
Gotha sits in USDA Zone 10a. Guava grows reliably in zones 9a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Guava grow in Gotha's climate?
Yes — Guava grows well in Gotha's temperate climate. Gotha averages a 322-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 3 and first frost around December 21.
Your Orange County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Orange County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.