Costa Rica guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum) | seeds, 10 pcs.

• Latin name: Psidium friedrichsthalianum
• Danish names: Costa Rica guava
• English names: Costa Rican guava, cas guava

Psidium friedrichsthalianum is a rare and exciting fruit species from Central America, particularly Costa Rica and Nicaragua, where it is known by the name cas guava. It belongs to the same genus as the common guava (Psidium guajava), but differs with its small, tart fruits, which are primarily used for drinks and jams.

The tree is evergreen, medium-sized, and has a beautiful, rounded growth habit with glossy, dark green leaves. The white flowers are simple but decorative, and develop into small, round fruits of 3–6 cm that turn yellow when ripe. The flesh is aromatic, fresh, and distinctly tart – ideal for juice, smoothies, and the traditional Costa Rican drink “fresco de cas.”

Cultivation and requirements:

Psidium friedrichsthalianum thrives best in warm climates and requires full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It can tolerate brief temperature drops, but is not frost-resistant and should therefore be grown in Denmark in a greenhouse, conservatory, or in large pots that can be overwintered frost-free. Minimum temperature approx. 5–10 °C.

The tree is fast-growing and relatively undemanding, but sets fruit best if it receives regular watering and supplemental nutrients during the growing season.

Cultivation from seed:

The seeds are sown in a well-drained seed compost and covered lightly. They should be kept moist at a temperature of 22–28 °C. Germination usually occurs after 3–8 weeks, but may take longer depending on the freshness of the seeds.

Utility:

The fruits of Psidium friedrichsthalianum are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and have great local importance in Central America, especially for the production of juice and jam. The tree also has ornamental value as an evergreen and compact fruit tree.

Psidium friedrichsthalianum is a rare guava that combines exotic appearance with fruits that offer a fresh and tart taste experience – an obvious choice for collectors and fruit enthusiasts.