Papaya

Intro: Papaya is the quickest tropical fruit tree to reward you, often bearing within 9-12 months of planting.

Quick facts

• Botanical name: Carica papaya
• Growth: fast, soft-stemmed, usually 8-15 ft
• Fruit: year-round in warm months; heaviest in warm season
• Cold tolerance: low; frost kills or damages plants
• Lifespan: productive for about 3-4 years, then replant

Growing notes

• Excellent drainage is essential; papaya hates wet roots. Mound or plant in raised beds.
• Full sun, frequent light feeding, steady water.
• Plant several seedlings together and keep a good male/female or hermaphrodite mix, depending on variety.
• Stagger new plantings every 6-12 months for continuous harvest.

Common problems: papaya ringspot virus, root rot, mites, whiteflies, wind damage.

FAQ

• Is papaya latex harmful? It can irritate skin; wear gloves when picking green fruit.
• Which varieties do we offer? Red Lady