When to Plant Guava in King County, WA
Your May game plan for King County, Washington
Your garden in King County, Washington is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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.
King County, Washington is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 258 feet, King County receives approximately 37.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Guava during the growing season.
King County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.4
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 King County
How your county's soil matches Guava's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.4) is within Guava's preferred range (5.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in King County is excellent for Guava — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.5%) — Guava will thrive.
How to Plant Guava
Plant 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 | — | 5.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in King 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 — King County, WA
Guava Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
206 days in King County
Growing Tips for Guava in King County
Direct sow Guava outdoors after April 07 in King County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 206.0-day growing season in King 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Guava in King County, WA?
King County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Guava planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is King County, WA?
King County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 30.
Your King County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for King 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.