Papaya Tree CareCaricaPapaya tree care is minimal as long as you are growing them someplace warm. They are not fussy plants when given the sun and heat they desire. Cool weather alters the flavor of the fruit and even a light frost will damage the plant. Papaya is best raised in greenhouses in the temperate zone.
Papayas come in 3 types, Hawaiian (Carica papaya),Mexican (Carica pubescens), and babaco (Carica pentagona). The Hawaiian varieties do not grow taller than 8 feet and are easiest to harvest. A ripe fruit has yellow skin, a deep orange or pink interior, and weighs not more than two pounds. Mexican papaya fruit is as large as one foot. It is easier to grow but less sweet than Hawaiian papaya. A papaya tree can be grown either from the seeds or from nursery plants. Plants can be male, female or (certain Hawaiian varieties) can produce flowers of both sexes. Giclee Print When growing papaya, do not expect the female tree to bear fruits if you do not also have a male. A male papaya tree does not bear fruits but helps the females around him to bear by pollinating them. A ratio of at least one male plant to ten female plants is required. This takes a lot of space and is why the Hawaiian varieties 'Solo' and 'Sunrise' are so popular. Seedlings of these cultivars will produce flowers of both sexes more than 65% of the time, making 2 out of 3 plants self fruitful. Spring is the bet time to plant new papaya plants. Papaya tree care involves careful watering. Papaya trees need lots of water during hot weather as they have large leaves. But if you give the tree too much water the fragile roots tend to rot. Counter this tendency by planting the tree a little high in fast draining soil. If it rains in the winter where you live, a plastic tarp placed around the root zone will keep the roots dry and warm. Compost fertilizer and mulching are necessary as the plant grows. Make sure that the plant gets enough sunlight, less sunlight means less sweet fruits.
One aspect of papaya tree care is choosing the right site. It is best not to plant them where they will be exposed to heavy wind. The root systems are not that strong and the plants can topple in strong winds. With age, either the number of fruits decline or the quality will deteriorate. It is ideal to plant new papaya trees every two years so that you get a continuous yield. The fruit is rich in vitamins A, C and E and helps in digestion due to the presence of a protein-dissolving enzyme.
Buy Papaya Plants and SeedsIf you want to grow your papaya in a container, sow several seeds a large pot. Start with the size container you want the plant to end up in so you don't have to move it later.
When growing papaya indoors a high light environment must be provided. If you have a wall of south-facing windows, a Florida room, or a greenhouse then you already have the perfect place to grow papaya.
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