Papaya Tree Fertilizer

Papaya plants need frequent fertilizing for good yields.

The papaya plant (Carica papaya L.) is one of the few trees that bears fruit within a year of planting, largely because it is a fast-growing herbaceous perennial, not a tree. Native to Central America and southern Mexico, papaya plants can grow more than 30 feet tall on a single trunk. Papayas prefer wind-protected areas with full sun, hot humid climates, no freezing temperatures, well drained soil, regular watering, and steady applications of various fertilizers.

Before Fertilizing Care

Good papaya plants require an appropriate location. Avoid standing water or soggy areas. The southeast or southern side of a house is usually the warmest spot. In its online brochure "Papaya Growing in the Florida Landscape," the University of Florida Extension Service lists three different papaya planting regimens, all with the same result. Whether the soil is sandy, rocky or a mound of native soil needs to be added, loosen the growing area by digging a hole three to four times the diameter of the plant container and three times as deep. Refill the hole and plant the papaya so the container media is at soil level or slightly above.

Year One Fertilizer

Papaya plants grow fast. A member of the Arizona Rare Fruit Growers noted an 8-inch seedling planted in March can be 4 to 5 feet high in May, then bearing mature fruit in October on a 7- to 8-foot frame. To reach these heights, according to the University of Florida Extension Service, apply 1/4 pound of a complete nitrogen-phosphorus-potash (NPK) fertilizer per plant every 14 days to month four, then increase to 1/2 to 3/4 pound per application through month seven. A particular fertilizer ratio is not provided. After month seven, continue with 1 pound once a month to month 12.

Micronutrients, Iron

In addition to complete fertilizer applications during the first year of growth, monthly micronutrient sprays, and iron applications are also recommended. Micronutrients include manganese, zinc and boron. In soils with a pH above 7, apply micronutrients with foliar spray. For soils with a pH less than 7, the University of Florida Extension Service states applications can be done to the ground. Chelated iron mixed with water and applied as a soil drench is the preferred application method for soils greater than pH 7. Below pH 7, apply iron sulfate to the ground at the monthly rate of 1/4 oz. months one to three, 1/2 oz. months four to nine, and 1 oz. months 10 and beyond.

Fruiting papayas

Once a papaya plant hits its one year anniversary, the frequency of fertilizing declines but a regular fertilizing schedule remains. Complete NPK fertilizing drops to every other month. Micronutrients drop from monthly applications to six annually, with three March to May, then one each in July, September and October. Iron applications drop to four a year, with the University of Florida's horticultural science department recommending an April, June, August and October schedule.

Benefits

For all the fertilizer required by a papaya plant, it usually rewards growers with fruit within a year of planting. Under favorable conditions, plants keep producing fruit throughout the year. While crop yields vary with plant care and growing conditions, the University of Florida Extension Service puts a single plant's annual yield at 60 to 80 pounds. Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture advises that mature plants are capable of delivering 100 to 200 pounds of papayas during a 12 month period.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Papaya Growing in the Florida Landscape
• University of Hawaii Crop Knowledge Master: Papaya
• Arizona Rare Fruit Growers Association: Growing Papaya in the Salt River Basin
• Aggie Horticulture: Home Fruit Production--Papaya