Papaya trees are a popular fruit native to Central America and Mexico, though they are now found worldwide. But, can you grow papaya from seeds? Commonly called “pawpaws,” these fruit are loved for their subtly sweet flavor, bright coloration, and tropical feel. This article will give information on how to grow papaya from seed and other important elements involved in caring for the plant so you can have homegrown papaya available in your garden whenever the mood should strike.
Can You Grow Papaya from Fresh Seeds?
Fresh seeds are an excellent way to grow a papaya tree and are easily acquired. It takes minimal prep to get an abundance of seeds from one fruit. You can take a store-bought papaya and use those seeds, or even better, use a locally grown papaya if you live in an appropriate growing zone (USDA 9-12) for growing papaya from seed. if you’re not sure about whether the chosen tree is papaya, get assistance of our plant identifier app**.** These plants are easy to grow, and once they get going, you can get up to 100 papayas per growing season per plant.
How Long Does It Take for a Papaya Tree to Grow?
It can take up to twelve months for a papaya tree to grow from seed and produce fruit, though, under optimal conditions and care, it can take six months before you can begin harvesting fruit. Living in the proper climate is necessary too, as papaya growing can only occur in frost-free environments. Frost damage can severely stunt the tree or possibly kill it. The warmer the climate and more fertile the soil is, the quicker your tree will reach maturity and begin providing fruits. Check our tool to get more info about papaya trees.
How to Grow Papaya from Seeds Step-by-Step
An important question when thinking about growing papaya trees is where do papayas grow? Papayas are native to warm climates such as Hawaii and Central America; they are tender non-woody plants and cannot tolerate frosts, so it is crucial to consider the environment when learning how to grow papaya from seeds.
Planting
The first step when growing papayas, aside from determining if the climate is appropriate for this tropical fruit, is getting the seeds. Use fresh, ripe fruit to remove the seeds and process the papaya seeds for planting.
Sun
Since papayas don’t particularly like being transplanted, papaya seed planting should be done directly in the area where you want them to grow. Full sun is best for these plants, so place them in a south-facing area where they can get at least 6-8 hours of direct light. Papaya seeds can be planted any time of the year in favorable, frost-free climates so long as the soil is rich.
Spacing
Try to give at least 8 feet (2.5m) of space between plants so the roots have sufficient room to develop. Once your tree has begun to develop sprouts and gets to a height of about 4 feet (1.2m), it is considered a sapling, and flowering should occur soon.
Germinating
When planting seeds, place a few in a hole for better chances of growing female seedlings since the female trees are the only ones that produce fruit. Cover with a light layer of rich soil and water well, and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mulch can also help maintain soil moisture between waterings or bouts of rain.
Soil and Fertilizer
Use fertile, well-draining soil. If your soil is not quite up to par, fertilizer or compost can be added to help the seeds germinate. Fertilize with a high phosphorus fertilizer when your plant is young, and once your tree is more established, you can switch to a 5-10-5 NPK fertilizer. Feed your plants monthly throughout the growing season.
Watering
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soaked. Water stress can leave your plant stunted and decrease your overall yield, and excessive watering can lead to rot which can kill your plant. Be aware of the weather and any potential rainfall. If planting in a container, ensure there is enough water being given such that the excess water can exit the drainage hole.
Flowering and Fruiting
You can tell if your tree is male or female once it begins to flower. Male flowers are small and insignificant, and female flowers are more prominent and grow closer to the branch than male ones. Leave one male tree to pollinate your female trees. You can hand pollinate your trees if pollinators are not widely present in your area. Simply locate the male and female flowers and use a soft, clean brush to collect pollen from the male flowers. Brush the pollen into the female flowers onto the stigma for pollination. Fruits are ready to harvest between 6 and 12 months after planting; the better the conditions, the sooner you will have ripe fruits.
How to Grow Papaya in Pots
Learning how to plant papaya seeds in a container is not much different from growing directly in the ground. Here are some tips on how to grow papaya in pots:
- Select a large pot, at least 24 inches in diameter, to plant the seeds. Use fertile, rich (but well-draining) soil and a pot with suitable drainage holes to prevent potential root rot. Ensure you are placing your pot in an area where it can get at least 6 hours of direct light and in a warm spot away from drafts. Sunlight availability is crucial in growing fruiting plants, so if you do not have a south-facing window the plant can be placed in, consider getting grow lights or place the plant outdoors in the summertime if conditions are appropriate.
- The growth stages will be the same as if the plant was growing outdoors, though it may grow smaller and produce less fruit due to the limited area the roots are able to inhabit.
- Fruits can be picked when they turn yellow and can be consumed immediately. Green papayas can be harvested, though ripening will need to continue for a few days to be ready to eat.
Papaya trees grown indoors under the proper conditions can be productive as well as a beautiful way to add some greenery to the home.
Papaya Growing Tips
While papayas are relatively easy to grow once a proper spot is selected, there are still things that can go wrong and impact the growth or yield of your plant. Follow these easy tips and guidelines can ensure you have a healthy, bountiful harvest:
- Provide your plant with full sun to avoid leggy, sparse growth, and optimal fruit development.
- If you are in an area with slightly cooler temperatures, you must protect your plant from frost. Cover with blankets to save from frost, or consider growing your trees in containers that can be moved indoors when temperatures begin to drop.
- Provide your plant with adequate, consistent watering but take care not to overwater. Papaya plants are particularly susceptible to root rot, so if growing outdoors, keep an eye out for the weather forecast to avoid accidental root rot or stunted growth.
- Fertilize monthly to give your plant the nutrients it needs for fast growth and help prevent it from becoming susceptible to diseases and pests.
- Common pests such as flies, mealybugs, and scale can significantly affect your plant’s health and, therefore, fruit production. Monitor the undersides of leaves and young growth for these pests and treat immediately using horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays.
By following these tips you should be able to ensure a problem-free growing season to maximize the production of your papaya plant.
Common Problems When Growing Papaya from Seed
Like with any type of crop, there can be issues that arise which weren’t accounted for when planting. Fortunately, if you’re attentive and in-tune with your garden, these issues can be caught with enough time to fix them.
- Pests: Mealybugs, aphids, and flies are all common pests of the papaya. Treat using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap for easy, safe treatment. Pesticides can be used as a last resort, though take care to get ones that are safe for use on edible crops.
- Disease: Powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases are widespread amongst many edible crops and normally appear when plants are not spaced out enough to provide good circulation of the air. Avoid planting too close to one another, and always water near the base of your plant and not overhead. If fungal issues occur, treating with fungicides or horticultural oils can provide relief, though treatment may need to be repeated.
- Stunted growth: A lack of fruit production or minuscule growth are indicators your plant is not getting enough nutrients in its diet. Supplement with a fertilizer, especially during the growing season. If your plant is getting sparse or “leggy,” you may need to increase the amount of light it is getting.
Being able to recognize when your plant is in need of extra care is an important step in caring for your papaya tree and guaranteeing a bountiful harvest.
How to Prepare Papaya Seeds for Planting?
Preparing papaya seeds to be planted is simple once you’ve got your seed source, such as a fresh fruit. Cut your ripe papaya in half and scoop out the seeds inside. Wash them thoroughly and remove the outer, jelly-like coating that protects the seeds. This step is vital since the seeds will not be able to germinate with this coating intact.
Next, the seeds should be left out in a shady, cool place to dry. If you are planting papaya seeds at a later date, then store the seeds in a tightly sealed container until they are ready to be planted.
How to Identify Male and Female Papaya Seeds?
It’s not entirely foolproof on how to identify male and female papaya seeds to better select what to plant, but studies suggest male seed coats are darker in color and female seed coats are lighter. Root morphology can also be used as an indicator, but the only sure way to know is by the flowers that are produced once the tree matures to about four months old. If looking at the roots, males’ roots tend to grow straighter while female roots appear more branched.
Most Popular Types of Papaya
There are many varieties of papaya that can be selected when growing papaya seeds, primarily differing in flavor and size. The two main types are Mexican and Hawaiian, and the other varieties stem from these.
- Mexican Red Papaya: these are a large variety that is typically available in markets year-round and feature a reddish, orange pulp, and sweet flavor.
- Hawaiian Sunrise Papaya: Smaller than the Mexican Red, this papaya is also usually available year-round.
- Guinea Gold Papaya: This papaya is gold in the flesh and pulp and originates from Western Australia. The fruits are large and take a longer time to ripen, usually taking over a year for the 2-pound fruit to get to maturity, but are richer and sweeter in flavor than the red counterparts.
- Hortus Gold Papaya: Another golden fleshed papaya, this variety grows large, heavy fruits that are more slender in appearance than other papayas commonly are.
- Tainung Papaya: Commonly referred to as “Formosa” papaya, it can get up to 4 pounds in weight. The fruit itself is slightly pink on the inside with a subtle sweet flavor.
The types of papaya you plant may depend on your area's environmental conditions, your preference for the fruit flavor, and how long the particular variety takes to ripen.
FAQ
What Does Papaya Look Like?
Papaya varieties can vary slightly in appearance, though for the most part, they look very similar in shape and color. The tree leaves are large and soft, with fruits that are often oval-shaped and green to yellow skin. Inside, they are a shade of orange or pink with a large cavity in the middle housing many dark, circular seeds.
How Tall does a Papaya Tree Grow?
Papaya tree height can vary from 10-30 (3-9m) feet tall depending on the type and age of the plant, as well as the conditions it is grown under and how well the tree is maintained.
What Is the Fastest Way to Germinate Papaya Seeds?
Papaya seeds can be quickly germinated if soaked in a solution of potassium nitrate and water for about half an hour before planting. If potassium nitrate is not available, soak your seeds in hot water for 15 seconds, then in room temperature distilled water for 24 hours. Both of these methods help to increase the rate of germination.
How Long Do Papayas Live?
Papayas can live up to 25 years, with an average lifespan of around 20 years or so. Due to its lack of proper woody growth, fruit production typically will decline as the tree ages. If yield is the goal, it is recommended to replant papaya trees every three years for optimal fruit production.
Get your subscription to be the first to know all the news of the plant world. Have you ever tried growing papaya from seed yourself? Let us know in the comments!
