How to Grow a Papaya Fruit Tree

Gardeners who live in regions that never freeze are fortunate because they have a wide and varied selection of tropical flowers and fruits they can grow successfully. One fruit that grows with surprising vigor and energy is the papaya tree. Select a ripe papaya that grew locally and harvest the black seeds from the center. After washing and drying them, the seeds will be ready to sow directly in the outdoor soil.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh papaya
• Utility knife
• Cutting board
• Large spoon
• Colander
• Paper towels
• Garden spade
• Compost
• Trowel
• Complete fertilizer (water-soluble)
• Shredded mulch (bark or leaves)

Instructions

1. Place the papaya onto the cutting board and slice it in half lengthwise. Place both halves on the cutting board with the seeds facing up. Use the spoon to scoop out the seeds and place them into the colander. Rinse the seeds under running water to remove all of the jelly-like material from the seeds. Dump the seeds out onto several layers of paper towel to dry them.

2. Prepare a sunny growing location outside that is sheltered from strong winds. Use the garden spade to work the soil down to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Add 4 inches of compost to the top of the soil and work this in with the garden spade to improve the quality and drainage of the soil.

3. Sprinkle approximately 25 to 30 papaya seeds across a 2-foot wide planting area. Cover the seeds with about a half inch of compost and then cover the planting area with one inch of shredded mulch.

4. Water the newly planted papaya seeds well immediately after planting. Keep the soil evenly moist at all times during the germination process. Watch for seed germination after two weeks.

5. Monitor the growth of the seedlings and remove the seedlings that are not thriving and growing strongly by cutting these seedlings off at soil level. Keep the strongest six papaya seedlings and remove the rest by the time they are approximately six inches tall.

6. Provide regular water to the growing papaya trees; however, do not overwater them. When the temperatures are warm, papaya trees need more water because the water evaporates more quickly. When the temperatures are cool, they need less water. If rain does not fall and the temperatures are warm, provide a deep watering at least once per week.

7. Expect the papaya trees to begin producing flowers when they are approximately three feet tall. Male papaya trees bloom first; recognize male trees by their long thin stalks and multiple small blossoms. Female papaya trees produce one single blossom that is larger and appears along the center trunk. Cut down most of the male papaya trees, leaving only one male papaya tree for every ten female papaya trees. This will provide ample pollination to produce papayas.

8. Fertilize once a week by mixing the fertilizer with water according to package recommendations for your growing area. Continue to side dress the papaya trees with additional compost regularly also.

9. Harvest ripe papayas when the fruits are approximately half yellow and half green. Do not allow the papayas to turn completely yellow on the trees because birds and fruit flies may eat them. Pick the papayas by snapping them from the trees.

Tips & Warnings

• Papaya trees do not tolerate transplanting well, so sow the seeds directly outdoors for best results. Plant papaya trees at any time of the year.

References

• Growing Papaya