Fruit Tree, Papaya (Large)

What’s not to love about the perennial island favorite papaya? If you have a bit of space to plant a fruit tree in your garden space, papaya trees are a must-have. They grow quickly, produce heavily, and are quite beautiful to have in any home garden - a tropical staple. Not to mention, one tree will give you a consistent supply of fruit for a few years before the end of its growing cycle. If given the right attention during the earlier stages of its life, you and your family can enjoy these fresh fruit harvests just like we do!

This large papaya variety will produce fruits with pink flesh and weigh roughly 2-3lbs.

Days to Maturity: 6-8 months to begin flowering and producing fruit

Plant size: 4-6 ft. tall initially

Plant spacing: 7-10 ft. apart

Sun, soil, and water requirement: Papayas do best in full sun and can do well in most soils that have good drainage and are rich in organic matter. Papayas love water and will need at least 2-4” of rainfall a week however, they do not like wet feet. Having good drainage is important. If you can, try to avoid planting in clay soil and sloping areas where rainfall collects. Planting on small hills or terraces works well.

Pruning: Leave as many leaves as possible on your tree. If you need to prune them, cut the leaves halfway between the leaf and base to help minimize fungal disease. The remaining part of the leaf will dry up and fall off on its own.

Harvesting: You can pick fruits as soon as the skin starts to turn yellow. Fruits will ripen after you have picked them. You can also pick the fruit when it is green and cook it. Try not to bruise the fruit when harvesting to maximize shelf life.

Culinary: Ripened fruits are usually eaten raw without the skin or seeds. Green papaya (picked before ripening) is commonly used in Asian cooking.

Nutrients: Papayas are loaded with nutrients! Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, proteins, and low in calories.

Special considerations: Papaya plants that are exposed to constant wind can develop deformed, crinkled leaves. When wind stress damage is excessive, the plants have reduced growth, fruit set, fruit quality, and productivity.

Transplanting: Be careful when transplanting your new tree, disturbing papaya roots can set them back. Also, be sure to dig a hole around 18” wide and 18” deep and backfill with compost or other organic matter. This will help give the papaya room to spread its roots and help create better drainage by breaking up the soil before planting.

Companion planting: Papayas are heavy feeders. Try to give them space away from other papaya trees and other plants to minimize competition for nutrients.

Locally sourced seed

Container friendly

Please Note:

** Pots and plants may vary from the picture depending on the size and maturity ordered. All plants have been carefully hardened off and are ready to be transplanted into their permanent garden home or pot once delivered.

** Growing details provided are general. Conditions will change depending on your location, elevation, climate, rainfall, and accessible sunlight.

** Nutritional information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.