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Other Names: Tree Melon, Melon Tree, PawPaw Fruta Bomba, Betik,
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Related To:
[Caricaceae]
Main Uses:
Fruit, Medicine
Growth Rate:
Fast; one of the fastest growing tall fruiting plants.
Mature Height/Spread:
Highly variable. Extreme dwarf hybrids are a mere 4' at maturity, while larger types such as the Maradol can reach To 20 feet. Papayas rarely live longer then 5 years, and reach their fruiting peak at 2-3 years of age.
Flowering/Pollination:
Papayas can bear male, female, or hemaphroditic flowers. Males bear long flower shoots that hang down from the tree. Females bear flowers at the apex of the leaf.
Tolerance:
Tolerant of a variety of soil types, but does not tolerate salt.
Soil/Nutrition:
Prefers a sandy, well drained soil that is well aerated. Dense soils will stunt it, and tend to make it susceptible to root rot. Wet feet will kill this species. To grow any papaya type quickly and healthfully, make sure it's soil is well drained.
Light:
Full sun, for best fruiting. Produces bigger leaves, and less fruit when grown in the shade.
Wind:
Trees are unlikely to be blown over, strong winds tend only to strip their leaves.
Temperature:
Tropical, harmed by temperatures below freezing. Since it is a vigorous species, it will grow in the subtropics.
Dangers:
None.
Diseases Prone:
Bearing Age:
8-14 months from seed, provided adequate conditions.
Fruit:
Highly variable; some are a small as a baseball, others can be the size of a watermelon.
History/Origin:
In Cuba, the word "papaya" is slang for female genitalia. When travelling in Cuba, use the term "fruta bomba."
Species Observations:
Papayas respond well to a diversity of fertilizers, the tree likes well drained, moist soils, lots of sun, and is a heavy feeder.
Propogation:
By seed, which can bear fruit within 8 months under ideal conditions. Cuttings may also be used to propagate desired varieties.
Recommended Varieties
- "Red Lady" is a dwarf, self-pollinating variety with a delicious sweet pink/orange flesh, and fruits generally weighing 3-6 lbs. Ideal for sandy areas, grows very well in California and South FL.
"T.R. Hovey" is a dwarf, self-pollinating papaya that was developed for hydroponic growing. It performs very well in the garden, producing 3-8-lb fruits with yellow/orange flesh that is exceptionally sweet and well flavored.
"Sunrise" or "Strawberry" papayas are smaller, single-serving pear-shaped types that are borne from trees that are either female or self-fertile. The flesh is sweet and has a red/orange "sunrise" colored flesh.
Maradol papayas are large, oblong types that are borne from trees that are either female or self-fertile. The flesh is mildly sweet and has a salmon-colored flesh with a musky flavor.
Carribbean Red papayas are large, oblong, and salmon-fleshed much like their 'Maradol' parent, except they are significantly richer and sweeter in flavor.
"Hawaiian Solo" papayas are small, single-serving round types. The trees bear early and low to the ground. The flesh is very sweet and has a yellow colored flesh. "Rainbow" Papayas are a type of Kapoho Solo hybridized with "UH SunUp." "Rainbow" has been grown predominantly in Hawaii since 1999. They have been genetically engineered to withstand the Papaya Ringspot virus (PRSV), a disease which nearly decimated the Hawaiian papaya during the 90's.
Container Culture:
Dwarf and super-dwarf types of papaya can be grown and fruited in a container with relative ease, provided enough direct sunlight.
Medicinal Uses:
Papaya leaves are made into a tea for digestion. The seeds are used to purge parasites.
Nutritional Information:
Preparation / Food:
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"Tree is in fine shape and budding! Packing was exceptional. Thank you so much!"
- Satisfied Customer 1
"WOW, Plant is 10X better than expected. Great condition. Thank you very much."
- Satisfied Customer 2
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