How to Maximize the Yield of Papaya Crops
Papayas belong to the Caricaceae family, and the scientific name is "Carica papaya." Trees grow as perennials and under optimal conditions can reach a height of 30 feet. Papaya plants are similar to palms, in that the stem or trunk (as it is commonly referred to) is singular and does not grow branches. Maximizing the yield of papayas is important to growers because of the plant's somewhat short growing season and the seasonality of the papaya fruit market.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Papaya seeds or seedlings
- Slow-release 14-14-14 fertilizer
- Plastic bags
- pH soil test kit
- Knife or razor
- Shovel
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1
Plant papaya in USDA cold hardiness zones 10 and higher and when the soil temperature is 60 F or above. A cooler soil temperature will limit the growth yield. Also, factor in that papayas take five to eight months to flower and five to six months for the fruit to ripen for harvesting.
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2
Select a planting site with well-draining soil. Do not plant in heavy clay soil or in an area where water collects. If your climate is rainy, plant on a slope for draining to prevent root rot. Test and amend the soil to achieve a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Use lime, or calcium and magnesium to raise the pH level if needed. Do not pre-plant with fertilizers as this can burn the roots. Wait up to three months and then apply a slow-release 14-14-14 fertilizer. Repeat fertilization six weeks later.
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3
Choose papaya plant varieties that produce the highest yields. The "Solo" variety is a popular choice and known as a high producer. Kapoho, Sunrise and Waimanalo are Solo varieties to consider.
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4
Remove the outer, gelatin-like coating (called the sarcotesta) from the seed. This will improve germination. Use a sharp knife or razor blade to remove the sarcotesta. Allow the seeds to air dry. Place the seeds in plastic bags, one seed per bag. The seeds will typically germinate within 10 to 14 days.
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5
Dig planting holes that are 2 ½ feet in width and depth and spaced 6 feet apart. Backfill with amended soil. Sow one papaya seed per hole, at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch under the topsoil layer.
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6
Identify the sex of the plant as soon as it flowers. Female flowers are large and round at the base. Male flowers are thinner and tubular. Hermaphrodite flowers will display both male and female characteristics.
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7
Move plants, if necessary, so that a male plant is nearby. A male plant is required to propagate female and hermaphrodite plants. The more seeds you propagate, the higher the crop yield.
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8
Plant one male plant for every 10 to 15 female or hermaphrodite plants if you are growing a large crop of papayas. While female fruits are preferred for their commercial value in uniformity of size and sweet taste, they are the least productive of all three types. The advantage to including hermaphrodite papayas with your crops is that they are self-pollinators. The downside to hermaphrodites is that they only produce females or more hermaphrodites but no males.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Collect seeds after fruits are harvested so you can start new plants yourself. Store seeds in an airtight container. Seeds can be stored for up to one year.
Purchase seedlings as an alternative to self-propagating and direct seed sowing.
Destroy and burn any fruit infested by insects or pests, as the disease can spread to other areas of the tree and nearby plants.
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References
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