How to Grow Myrtaceae Family Plants

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Myrtaceae Family Plants

Myrtaceae

tree

Myrtaceae is a large family of flowering plants containing over 5,600 species, including economically important plants like eucalyptus, guava, myrtle, and feijoa. Members are predominantly tropical and subtropical, characterized by aromatic foliage, attractive flowers, and often edible or ornamental fruits. The family is native primarily to Australia, South America, and Southeast Asia.

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Example Myrtaceae Family Plants timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Myrtaceae Family Plants
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Myrtaceae Family Plants
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Myrtaceae Family Plants dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; most species prefer bright light

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Water: Moderate to low water needs once established; water deeply but infrequently. Drought-tolerant once mature; reduce watering in winter. Avoid waterlogging.

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Spacing: 24-120 depending on mature size (small shrubs 2-3 feet apart; trees 10-30 feet) inches

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Days to maturity: 1-3 years to productive fruiting; flowering typically begins year 2-3

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Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as nursery container; seeds 0.25-0.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil; many species tolerate poor soils

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Peat moss for moisture retention Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for organic matter Mulch to conserve moisture

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Most Myrtaceae thrive in USDA zones 9-11; some hardy species tolerate zone 8

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Establishment (Transplant/Seedling)

3-6 months

Young plants developing root systems and establishing main stem growth; tender new foliage emerging

Water regularly but avoid waterlogging; provide shade cloth in intense heat; protect from frost; stake if needed for wind protection

Vegetative Growth

6-18 months

Vigorous branch development, fuller canopy formation, aromatic foliage becoming more prominent

Prune to shape and encourage branching; fertilize monthly with balanced or slow-release fertilizer; maintain consistent moisture during active growth; thin crowded branches

Flowering

2-4 weeks (can vary by species; some bloom multiple times yearly)

Distinctive flowers (often white, pink, or red) with prominent stamens bloom; flowers attract pollinators

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering; maintain adequate water and light; do not prune heavily during bloom; allow some flowers to set seed/fruit

Fruiting

4-8 weeks (varies by species)

Flowers set fruit; berries, capsules, or drupes develop and mature; fruit color changes indicating ripeness

Thin excessive fruit to encourage larger specimens; maintain steady water supply; protect from excessive wind; avoid fertilizing with excess nitrogen

Harvest/Dormancy

Variable, ongoing

Mature fruit ready for harvest; foliage may reduce growth in cool months; some species drop leaves seasonally

Harvest ripe fruit; prune lightly if needed; reduce watering in winter; remove dead wood; minimal fertilizer during dormancy

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Rosemary Santolina Mediterranean herbs Native understory plants Ornamental grasses Companion natives (region-dependent)

Avoid planting near:

Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients Plants requiring frequent watering Allelopathic species (some eucalyptus cultivars inhibit nearby growth) Salt-sensitive plants in coastal areas

Common Pests

Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; prune infested branches; encourage beneficial predators
Monitor for stippled foliage; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps; prune heavily infested areas
Increase humidity with foliar misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticide if severe
Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if widespread
Keep trees healthy to resist; prune dead wood; maintain irrigation; insecticide trunk applications if severe

Uses

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Tropical Fruits (Guava, Feijoa, Myrtle Berries)

Culinary

Many Myrtaceae produce edible fruits rich in vitamin C and fiber, consumed fresh, in jams, juices, and desserts. Guava is widely cultivated for fresh eating and processing; feijoa (pineapple guava) has unique aromatic flavor. [source]

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Spice & Flavoring (Clove, Allspice, Myrtle Leaves)

Culinary

Several Myrtaceae species provide important culinary spices: clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum) are dried flower buds; allspice berries (Pimenta dioica) combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove flavors; myrtle leaves add subtle flavor to Mediterranean cooking. [source]

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Traditional Herbal & Tea

Medicinal

Eucalyptus oil is widely used for respiratory support; myrtle has been used in traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern medicine; feijoa and guava leaves contain compounds studied for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. [source]

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Essential Oils & Aromatics

Household

Eucalyptus and myrtle produce aromatic essential oils used in cleaning products, vapor inhalants, and perfumery. The strong antimicrobial and aromatic properties make them valued for diffusion and natural household applications. [source]

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Pollinator & Native Habitat Support

Wildlife

Myrtaceae flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; fruits feed birds and wildlife. Trees like eucalyptus provide shelter and forage for native fauna, making them valuable for ecological landscaping. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Fruit ripeness varies by species: guavas soften and change color; feijoas split or drop; eucalyptus seeds release from mature capsules; berries soften and darken. Pick fruit when slightly soft to fully ripe depending on use (fresh eating vs. processing). Handpick or allow to fall for minimal bruising. Harvest morning after dew dries.

Fun Facts

🌱 The Myrtaceae family contains eucalyptus trees, some of the world's tallest flowering plants, native to Australia but now grown globally for timber, paper, and essential oil production.
🌱 Clove buds are the unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum and were once so valuable they were called 'black gold,' driving spice trade exploration and colonial history.
🌱 The feijoa (pineapple guava) is pollinated by birds in its native South America, and flowers are edible with a sweet, fruity flavor—used as garnish in fine dining.

Gardening Terms

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Full Sun

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