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Papaya

Carica papaya
Varieties to choose from
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Red Army

Paw paws / Papayas are a tropical fruit native to southern Mexico and Central America. These plants love the heat and frost-free areas. Papayas grow as a single trunk with a non-spreading habit. They are fast growing but also short lived.

Landscape Value

Attractive trees with large tropical deep-lobed green leaves that are spirally arranged around the trunk. Ideally suited to add to your tropical planting with the benefit of delicious fruit.

Nutritional Value

Good levels of vitamin C & A. High levels of magnesium, iron, copper and potassium. Also good levels of fibre.

How to Eat

Protect your fruit from possums, rats and fruit bats. With a hessian bag over fruit or a plant pot slid onto trunk of tree to prevent climbling pests. Papaya can be eaten green or fully ripe. Green fruit should be cooked to remove the latex content. Added to skewered vegetables and meat for the barbeque or to a curry. The fully ripe fruit are picked once they are in full colour and will soften at room temperature. Can be eaten fresh or added to desserts, ice cream or savoury dishes.

Expected Yield

A healthy plant will produce 30kg of fruit a season. Once the tree is 3-4 years old the yield per year will decrease. If the climate is warm enough the fruits can ripen year round. In the cooler areas fruits will ripen late autumn to early winter.

Generic Fruiting Time

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Growing

Sun

Full sun

Wind

Not wind tolerate as the leaves are easily damaged.

Salt

Not salt tolerate.

Climate

Papaya need a warm, sheltered position. Papayas need regular mositure during the hotter months.

Soil

Light well-drained slightly acidic loam with plenty of nutrients.

Fertiliser

Fertilise your tree with an all-purpose organic fruit tree fertiliser every 2-3 months in the hotter months. Mulch with lots of organic matter.

Pruning

Do not need pruning.

Pests

Papayas are susceptible to root rot - make sure the soil is free-draining. Also a variety of insects including thrips, white fly and mites are attracted to these plants. Ask your local garden centre for a spray if they become a nuisance. Keep your plants stress free with plenty of mositure and nutrients.

Hardiness

Not hardy.

Special Conditions

 


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