The Murta, or Chilean Guava (scientific name: Ugni molinae Turcz.), has been trending in PNW gardens over the last few years. I visited my neighborhood plant sale on Sunday, mainly vegetable and herb starters. I showed up late, so I only had time to see the small market associated with the sale, where many nurseries sold plants. I bought mine from this nursery Calendula Farms.
There, I found my Murta. This is my second try at growing it. My first was with a tiny plant on a mix of other plants, and maybe in too shady a place. It died pretty fast. This time, I got a robust small bush with many growing fruits.
In Chile, the Murta grows in semi-shade as an understory bush. The harvest is in the Fall. I didn’t grow up in a region with Murta, but I have enjoyed many kuchens, cocktails (murtado), and jams, maybe with it. Hopefully, this fall, I will be able to add a recipe to my website made with my homegrown Murta.
If you want to grow this bush in the USA, buy a plant soon. In my experience, nurseries are well stocked with trendy plants for a couple of years, but once the trend dies, it becomes very difficult to source plants that are not very showy or native.
Update: I harvested my Murta and made Murtado, then we enjoyed it mixed with Canada Dry or champagne.
Do you have a favorite dish with Murta?
