Carica papaya

Germination

Sow indoors Mar-May. Prior to sowing dip seeds in hot water for 15 seconds, drain, then soak in fresh water for 24 hours. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil or vermiculite. Propagate. Ideal temp. 21-24°C. Germination takes 3-8 weeks approx. and is known for being variable. Seeds are prone to damping off. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots, pot on as required. Grow on at 22°C. Can be moved outside in summer. Requires a min temp.15-18°C.

Growing

To grow well the Papaya need a frost free climate, lots of sunlight, lots of water and a good soil. Possibly best grown under glass in the UK. Prefers to be planted in the ground rather than a pot. If a pot is the only option use a big pot. In milder areas can be grown outside. Papayas can be male, female or bisexual. You need to have a good selection of female or bisexual plants for fruiting, male plants do not bear fruit. You need at least one male plant for every fifteen female plants to ensure pollination. You can tell the difference by the flowering. Female plants flowers are large and close to the stem. Male flowers are smaller and on long thin stalks. Water very well during the growing season, do not over water during cold periods. Fertilize regularly. Mulch often.

Cultivation

Papayas will fruit year round if they are happy and warm. Papayas are short-lived lasting 3 years approx. Successional plant for continuous supply. Damaging or cutting the main shoot/stem will cause multiple trunks but this is not a problem. Save your seed from fruits and you will have plenty of seed to keep planting.