Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Guava Star traces its roots to Top Dawg Seeds, the New York–born breeding house behind iconic Chem and Dawg family lines like Stardawg and Tres Dawg. Top Dawg’s Guava line rose to prominence through a standout Stardawg selection known colloquially as the “Guava cut,” prized for a tropical-fruit nose layered over classic Chem diesel. Within this lineage, Guava Star is widely regarded as a hybrid that consolidates the Guava family’s fruit-forward aromatics with the high-output resin and vigor of Top Dawg’s star-making genetics.
While Top Dawg maintains a famously tight-lipped approach to exact parentage, industry consensus places Guava Star squarely in the Guava/Stardawg cluster. Growers and buyers often describe it as a Guava-dominant hybrid with robust Chem structure, suggesting a deliberate attempt to stabilize guava-like esters alongside the skunky, fuel-heavy backbone. The breeder of record is Top Dawg Seeds, and the heritage is an indica/sativa hybrid, reflecting the balanced but motile effects typical of the Dawg family.
Context from adjacent cultivars helps triangulate Guava Star’s profile. Leafly’s report on “Stardawg Guava” highlights a vigorous, clear-headed body buzz that encourages activity—an effect many Guava Star users echo when discussing daytime utility. Similarly, fan-favorite relatives like White Guava are frequently described as relaxed, giggly, and even arousing, underscoring how this branch of the family blends buoyant mood elevation with tactile body tones.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Expectations
The Guava branch stems from Stardawg, itself a cross bred from Chem dog heritage: a Chem 4–leaning line worked through Top Dawg’s Tres Dawg backbone. In practical terms, that means Guava Star inherits Chem’s high-resin, high-THC framework while presenting a noticeably fruitier top-end aroma. The likely outcome is a hybrid with hybrid vigor, rapid vegetative growth, and a potent entourage of terpenes.
Phenotypically, Guava Star tends to express medium internodal stacking, rigid branches that respond well to training, and dense, sugar-coated colas. Growers often report a stretch of 1.5x to 2.0x after flip, which is manageable with topping, low-stress training, or a single-layer trellis. Expect a finishing window around 63 to 70 days in typical indoor conditions, with outdoor harvests in the Northern Hemisphere landing from late September to mid-October in temperate zones.
Guava-dominant phenos typically exude tropical guava, passionfruit, and melon alongside piercing diesel and faint ammonia from the Chem side. Stardawg-leaning phenos will push more fuel, skunk, and earthy spice, with the fruit notes playing second fiddle. Across phenotypes, resin coverage is heavy, with effusive trichome heads that wash well, reflecting the broader Dawg family’s reputation for solventless extraction potential.
Botanical Appearance and Structure
Visually, Guava Star usually develops spear-shaped colas with dense calyx stacking and a heavy frosting of capitate-stalked trichomes. Buds range from lime to forest green, with occasional lavender flashes under cool night temperatures. Pistils tend toward neon orange early and cure to a rich copper by harvest, creating striking contrast against the resin layer.
Fans leaves show a medium blade width and a healthy green hue unless pushed to the edge of nutrition or light. Under high PPFD, light stress can express as marginal curl if VPD and irrigation are not tightly controlled. Many growers strip lower sites around day 21 to day 28 of flower to direct energy into top colas, which are notably weighty on mature plants.
Trichome heads in successful runs concentrate in the 90–120 micron range, the sweet spot for many ice water hash producers. When cured carefully, a hand roll leaves fingers sticky within seconds due to the cultivar’s abundant resin. The overall bag appeal is high, with tight bud density averaging 0.55–0.65 g/cm³ and an unmistakable fruit-gas bouquet that escapes any jar that isn’t properly sealed.
Aroma: From Guava Pulp to Chem Gas
On first crack of a jar, the nose often opens with ripe guava flesh, pink grapefruit zest, and a whiff of mango nectar. Underneath that sheen of tropical sugar, the Chem heritage pushes through with petrol, hot rubber, and faint ammonia—notes that intensify when the bud is ground. The aromatic duality is the hallmark of the Guava line: sweet fruit up front, hard gas in the back.
Terpenes driving the top note are typically limonene and a suite of tropical-leaning esters, supported by beta-myrcene’s fruity base and a dash of linalool. Beta-caryophyllene introduces a peppery, balsamic edge, knitting fruit to fuel. In cured flower, many cuts present a dominant limonene peak with supporting myrcene and caryophyllene, mirroring broader Guava-family results.
Context from related strains helps explain why Guava Star’s bouquet hits so distinctly. Leafly’s coverage of Passion Orange Guava—a different tropical-forward line—notes a standout total terpene content of 3.1%, an unusually high figure that frames consumer expectations for bold fruit. Although Guava Star’s terpene totals vary by grow, top-shelf runs commonly test in the 1.8%–3.0% range, with the upper end delivering room-filling fragrance from even a small nug.
Flavor and Combustion Characteristics
On inhale, Guava Star often presents candied guava, melon, and a bright citrus pith note that is unmistakably limonene-forward. As the smoke or vapor coats the palate, fuel, pepper, and earth unfold, a nod to the Stardawg backbone. The exhale balances these poles: tropical nectar sweetness meets diesel heat, with a lingering pepper-spice tingling the tongue.
Joint smokers often report a white, steady ash in well-cured flower, signaling proper post-harvest handling. In vaporization at 350–390°F (177–199°C), fruit terpenes remain prominent through the first several pulls, while higher-temperature draws accentuate caryophyllene and Chem funk. Dried herb vaporizers bring out nuanced floral rose and lilac undertones in some phenos, a possible artifact of trace linalool and nerolidol.
For extract makers, live resin or cold-cure rosin from Guava Star can retain an impressive amount of fruit complexity alongside the gas. Solventless rosin often displays a greasy, light-gold consistency when pressed from fresh-frozen inputs, while cured inputs yield slightly darker tones with amplified diesel. In both cases, expect a flavor arc that evolves from confectionery guava to skunky, peppered chem over the session.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Metrics
Like many Top Dawg descendants, Guava Star is typically high in THC with modest levels of secondary cannabinoids. Across public COAs from Guava/Stardawg family cuts in legal West Coast markets, total THC commonly falls in the 20%–27% range, with a median landing around 24%. CBD is usually below 1%, often at or below 0.2% in fully mature flowers.
Minor cannabinoids contribute measurable, if small, effects. CBG frequently appears between 0.3% and 1.0%, with CBC registering around 0.1%–0.5% depending on maturity and cure. THCV is usually trace, but it can tick up in certain phenos, particularly those leaning sativa in morphology and effect.
From a potency perception standpoint, THC is only part of the story. Consumers consistently report that terpene-rich batches—those at or above 2.0% total terpenes—feel stronger and more layered than terpene-poor batches at similar THC percentages. This dovetails with broader market observations that terpene-rich cultivars deliver more distinctive, memorable experiences regardless of label THC.
Dominant Terpenes and Minor Volatiles
Guava Star tends to produce a terpene triad of limonene, beta-myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene, which collectively drive both fruit and gas perceptions. Limonene often leads, contributing citrusy brightness, uplift, and a perceived “clean” sweetness on the palate. Myrcene augments tropical fruit tones while softening the body and promoting relaxation, especially in evening doses.
Beta-caryophyllene brings pepper, clove, and a subtle woody undertone while directly engaging CB2 receptors, a unique trait among common terpenes. Supporting terpenes may include linalool (floral), humulene (herbal, dry hop), and ocimene (sweet, green, slightly tropical), each adding secondary aromatic layers. In some phenotypes, trace esters and aldehydes introduce guava pulp realism, a trait prized by connoisseurs seeking true-to-name fruit expression.
Total terpene content in top-tier indoor runs generally ranges from 1.8% to 2.6%, with elite batches occasionally crossing 3.0% under optimized cultivation. Leafly’s highlight of Passion Orange Guava reaching an unheard-of 3.1% terpenes shows the ceiling for tropical-forward cannabis when environment, genetics, and post-harvest align. Guava Star, sharing a fruit-forward lineage ethos, is capable of similarly bold terpene output with careful grower attention.
Experiential Effects and Use Scenarios
Guava Star is a balanced hybrid that often feels like a clean, buoyant lift rather than a full-on couch lock. The onset typically arrives within 2–5 minutes of inhalation, with early euphoria, lightness in the body, and a sharpening of sensory perception. At 15–25 minutes, the midpoint blooms: colors and music feel richer, conversation flows, and a warm behind-the-eyes glow hints at the Chem family lineage.
Most users describe mental clarity and mood elevation as the defining headspace, especially in terpene-rich batches. This mirrors Leafly’s note on “Stardawg Guava” promoting a clear-headed, motivating body buzz that encourages activity indoors or out. Related Guava-family strains like White Guava and Guava Dawg are frequently reported as giggly, tingly, and even arousing—effects many users also encounter with Guava Star, especially in social settings.
Duration commonly stretches 2–3 hours, with a gradual taper into calm focus, making Guava Star suitable for early evening creative work or long walks. At higher doses, the myrcene-caryophyllene synergy becomes more sedative, blurring into a warm, heavy body feel appropriate for late-night decompression. Potential side effects include dry mouth, dry eyes, and, in sensitive users, transient anxiety if the dose escalates quickly—common considerations for THC-rich hybrids.
Potential Therapeutic Applications
Guava Star’s balanced indica/sativa heritage lends itself to mood support, situational stress relief, and mild-to-moderate pain modulation. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity suggests anti-inflammatory potential, which, paired with THC-driven analgesia, may help with aches, tension headaches, and post-exercise soreness. Limonene’s association with positive mood and myrcene’s muscle relaxation may help unwind mental and physical stress at day’s end.
In patient anecdotes, Guava-family cultivars have been used for low appetite, nausea, and low mood, with variable responses based on dose and tolerance. Leafly user reports for related strains (White Guava, Guava Dawg) often note giggliness and tactile tingling, effects that can translate into improved perceived quality of life during symptom flares. Anecdotally, some patients find a light to moderate dose (1–5 mg inhaled THC equivalent) before meals supports appetite without over-sedation.
Sleep support is possible at higher doses, especially in myrcene-forward phenotypes, though Guava Star is not typically considered a knockout sedative. For individuals prone to anxiety from high-THC cultivars, microdosed inhalation or mixed CBD:THC formats may curb racing thoughts while retaining the mood lift. As always, patients should consult clinicians and titrate slowly, tracking strain, terpene content, and dose to identify their optimal response.
Cultivation Guide: Indoors – Environment and Lighting
Guava Star thrives in controlled environments with moderate vigor and a manageable stretch. Ideal canopy temperatures sit around 76–82°F (24–28°C) in veg with 60–70% RH, dropping to 72–78°F (22–26°C) and 45–55% RH in flower to deter powdery mildew and botrytis. Target VPD around 1.1–1.3 kPa in veg and 1.3–1.6 kPa in flower for steady transpiration.
Under LEDs, aim for 300–500 µmol/m²/s in early veg, 600–800 in late veg/early flower, and 900–1,050 in peak bloom depending on CO2 availability. With supplemental CO2 at 900–1,200 ppm, Guava Star tolerates the upper PPFD range well, though careful irrigation and calcium/magnesium support are essential. Maintain strong, laminar airflow above and below the canopy, and rotate oscillating fans to minimize microclimates around dense colas.
Photoperiod growers can veg for 3–5 weeks from rooted clone to achieve a well-branched structure ready for single-layer trellis. Expect a 1.5x–2.0x stretch in the first 14–21 days post-flip; plan topping or supercropping before day 10 of flower if heights threaten the light plane. Many growers defoliate lightly at day 21 and again at day 42 to open airflow and drive light to secondary sites.
Cultivation Guide: Indoors – Media, Nutrition, and Irrigation
Guava Star performs consistently in coco coir with perlite, rockwool, or high-quality living soil. In inert media, run a pH of 5.8–6.2 and an EC of 1.4–1.8 in late veg, stepping to 1.8–2.2 in mid-to-late flower as demand peaks. In soil, maintain a pH of 6.2–6.8 and amend with slow-release calcium, magnesium, and trace elements to prevent mid-flower deficiencies.
This cultivar shows a pronounced appetite for calcium and magnesium, particularly under high-intensity LED. Consider 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–75 ppm Mg through weeks 3–7 of flower, adjusting based on leaf tissue analysis or visual cues. Maintain nitrogen modestly in early flower, then ramp phosphorus and potassium through weeks 4–7, targeting a balanced PK curve that avoids overfeeding potassium, which can mute fruit terpenes.
Irrigation strategy depends on container size and media porosity, but high-frequency fertigation with 10–20% runoff supports steady EC and root zone oxygenation. In coco, 2–4 irrigations per light cycle are common in peak bloom; in soil, allow partial dryback to maintain aerobic conditions. Reduce EC by 20% in the final 7–10 days, favoring a clean finish without starving the plant of essential minerals.
Cultivation Guide: Training, IPM, and Harvest Timing
Guava Star responds beautifully to topping and low-stress training to produce an even canopy. A single topping above the 5th node followed by lateral tie-downs typically yields 8–12 well-lit tops on a 3–5 week veg. In 2×2-foot squares, aim for one to two plants with a single-layer trellis; in 4×4 beds, four plants trained wide can efficiently fill space.
Integrated pest management should start in veg with weekly scouting and sanitation. Predator mites like Amblyseius swirskii or Amblyseius andersoni can suppress thrips and mites, while Beauveria bassiana foliar applications in early veg help keep populations in check. Avoid sulfur or heavy oils past the second week of flower to protect resin quality; use cultural controls like airflow, humidity management, and leaf stripping to prevent mildew.
For harvest timing, most indoor phenos finish in 63–70 days, with earlier chem-leaning phenos sometimes ready at day 60. Loupe the trichomes: many growers target cloudy with 10–15% amber for a balanced effect profile, while those seeking more sedative effects wait for 20% amber. Track aroma evolution—the guava top note becomes candy-sweet around peak ripeness, and the diesel note deepens in the final 5–7 days.
Cultivation Guide: Outdoors and Greenhouse
Outdoors, Guava Star prefers a warm, Mediterranean-style climate with dry autumns and steady diurnal swings. Plant after the last frost, using 50–100+ gallon fabric pots or in-ground beds amended with compost, biochar, and mineral inputs. In full sun, vigorous plants can exceed 6–8 feet tall by late summer with proper training.
Expect harvest windows from late September to mid-October depending on latitude and phenotype. Bud density is high, so greenhouse and outdoor growers should prioritize airflow with wide plant spacing and aggressive thinning. Preventive sprays—like potassium bicarbonate or biological fungicides—are best applied early and discontinued by early flower; thereafter, rely on environmental control and sanitation.
Under optimal conditions, outdoor yield potential ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 kg per plant, with greenhouse grows achieving 450–700 g/m². In coastal or humid regions, select faster-finishing phenos and consider shade cloth to reduce afternoon heat stress and VPD volatility. Monitor for botrytis in the last three weeks; remove any compromised tissue immediately to protect the rest of the canopy.
Post-Harvest: Drying, Curing, and Extraction
Dry Guava Star in the 60/60 range—60°F (15.5°C) and 60% relative humidity—for 10–14 days to preserve fruit esters and prevent terpene volatilization. Gentle air movement and complete darkness are essential; avoid direct fans on hanging branches. Stems should snap, not bend, before bucking to cure.
Cure in airtight containers at 62% RH, burping daily for the first week and tapering to every few days over weeks two and three. A 21–28 day cure deepens the guava sweetness and polishes the chem undertone, often lifting the perceived potency. Properly cured flower maintains vibrant aroma for months if stored at 55–60°F in UV-protected containers.
For solventless extraction, fresh frozen inputs often yield 3–5% return by fresh weight in Dawg-family lines when grown and harvested optimally. Trichome heads typically sieve well in the 90–120 µm range, with some resin also present at 73 µm. Cold-cure rosin from Guava Star can present a wet-batter texture with intense fruit-gas, aligning with solventless trends noted across the broader Dawg and Chem ecosystem.
Market Position, Comparables, and Cultural Context
Guava Star sits in a sweet spot between classic gas and contemporary fruit—two categories that consistently rank among top-selling flavor families. Budtenders and consumers have gravitated to these profiles across the 2020s, with Leafly’s annual trend coverage highlighting fruit-gas fusions and balanced hybrids as perennial favorites. In Maryland’s legal market, Leafly has even described “Guava” as Gelato’s fruitier, headier twin, underscoring consumer appetite for guava-forward hybrids.
Comparable strains include Stardawg Guava, Guava Dawg, White Guava, and modern fruit-gas crosses like Zoap (Rainbow Sherbet × Pink Guava), which Leafly notes as mostly calming with higher-than-average THC. These comparables illustrate the larger “guava wave” in breeding, where tropical top notes meet powerful, resin-rich backbones. Leafly’s “100 best weed strains” lists and budtender roundups regularly feature fruit-gas heavyweights, showing Guava Star’s flavor lane is positioned squarely in current consumer demand.
For buyers, Guava Star’s calling card is its unmistakable bouquet and strong but balanced ride. For growers, it’s the combination of manageable canopy behavior, competitive yields, and high resin density that can shine in both flower and hash SKUs. Together, those traits make Guava Star a compelling cultivar for connoisseur shelves and motivated home growers alike.
Data Snapshot and Performance Benchmarks
Flowering time: 63–70 days indoors; late September to mid-October outdoors in temperate regions. Average stretch: 1.5x–2.0x post-flip, with sturdy branching that benefits from topping and trellising. Yield potential: Indoors 400–550 g/m²; greenhouse 450–700 g/m²; outdoors 1.5–2.5 kg per plant under ideal conditions.
Potency: Total THC commonly 20%–27%; CBD typically ≤0.2%; CBG 0.3%–1.0%; CBC 0.1%–0.5%; THCV trace. Terpenes: Limonene, beta-myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene dominant; total terpene content frequently 1.8%–2.6%, with elite batches approaching or exceeding 3.0%. Effects profile: Uplifted, clear-headed, giggly, tactile body buzz; potential for sedation at higher doses.
Environmental targets: Veg 76–82°F and 60–70% RH; flower 72–78°F and 45–55% RH; VPD 1.1–1.6 kPa across stages. Lighting: 600–800 µmol/m²/s in early flower, 900–1,050 in peak bloom with 900–1,200 ppm CO2. Nutrition: EC 1.4–1.8 in late veg; 1.8–2.2 in mid-late flower; elevated Ca/Mg support under LED.
Responsible Use, Tolerance, and Dosing Notes
Start low and go slow remains prudent advice for a THC-forward hybrid like Guava Star. Newer consumers can begin with one to two small inhalations, wait 10–15 minutes, and titrate until desired effects appear. Experienced users may find their sweet spot at two to four inhalations for daytime creativity or a small joint shared among friends.
The cultivar’s bright mood lift and tactile body energy lend themselves to socializing, light outdoor activity, music, and cooking. For sleep, consider a larger dose 60–90 minutes before bed or pair with a CBD product to soften the headspace. Stay hydrated to mitigate dry mouth, and avoid aggressive dosing if prone to THC-related anxiety.
Because terpene load influences the subjective experience, seek batches with 2.0%+ total terpenes if available on COA labels. Many consumers report that such batches feel both stronger and clearer, aligning with observations from other Guava/Stardawg family cuts. As with any cannabis product, individual biochemistry, set, and setting will shape the outcome.
