Papaya, Papaw, or Pawpaw Seeds (Carica papaya)

Papaya, Papaw, or Pawpaw Seeds (Carica papaya)

💰 Price: Package of 10 or 100 seeds

Papaya (Carica papaya) is a tropical fruit with a deliciously sweet flavor and a soft, buttery texture. Referred to as the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus, papayas are now commonly found in markets year-round, although they are most abundant in early summer and fall. Their spherical or pear-shaped fruits can grow as long as 20 inches, though most commercially available papayas are around 7 inches in length and weigh about 1 pound. The flesh ranges in color from rich orange to pink or yellow, offering a sweet, musky taste.

Papayas are loaded with vitamins A, Vitamin B, and Vitamin C, making them an excellent addition to your diet. They contain round, black seeds surrounded by a gelatinous-like substance. While edible, the seeds have a slightly peppery, bitter flavor. The fruit, along with other parts of the papaya tree, contains papain, an enzyme that aids in digesting proteins and is often used in dietary supplements and chewing gum.

How To Grow Papaya, Papaw, or Pawpaw Seeds (Carica papaya) From Seed

1. Choose a Sunny Spot:
   Papayas need a sunny, sheltered location in your garden. The best way to grow papayas is directly in the ground, as they don't transplant well. Avoid starting them in pots!

2. Prepare the Soil:
   Papayas are very nutrient-hungry, so ensure the soil is rich in organic matter. If you don't have ideal soil, you can create it by digging a hole about half a meter wide and filling it with a mixture of compost and soil. Create multiple planting beds to maximize your chances.

3. Plant the Seeds:
   Sprinkle a couple of dozen seeds per planting bed, then lightly cover them with more compost and mulch the area. Papaya seeds typically germinate in 2-4 weeks under warm temperatures (about 25-28°C).

4. Care for Your Seedlings:
   As seedlings sprout, you will notice differences in size and vigor. Start culling the weaker plants and keep the strongest ones. A healthy papaya bed should have half a dozen plants, ensuring you have both male and female plants. Male papayas don't produce fruit, so keep a female or bisexual plant for pollination.

5. Pollination:
   Papayas start flowering when they reach about 1 meter tall. Male flowers have thin stalks with multiple small blooms, while female flowers are larger and closer to the trunk. You need about one male plant for every 10-15 females to ensure proper pollination.

6. Watering Needs:
   Papayas need a lot of water, especially during warm weather, but they are prone to root rot, especially in cooler climates. It's important to water regularly, but make sure the soil drains well. In cooler weather, be cautious with overwatering.

7. Growing Papaya in Cooler Climates:
   In regions with cold winters, papayas can still be grown as ornamental plants. Start the seeds indoors to give them a head start and plant them against a sun-facing wall for added warmth. You can also grow them in large pots and move them into a heated greenhouse during winter, but papayas are unlikely to survive long enough to bear fruit in colder areas.

Sowing Instructions:

• Propagation: Seeds / Cuttings

• Pretreatment: None

• Stratification: None

• Sowing Time: All year round

• Sowing Depth: 0.5 cm

• Sowing Mix: Coir or sowing mix + sand or perlite

• Germination Temperature: 25-28°C

• Location: Bright and constantly moist, not wet

• Germination Time: 2-4 Weeks

• Watering: Regular watering during the growth period, dry between waterings

Papayas are a beautiful and rewarding plant to grow in warm climates. Whether you're after the delicious fruit or just want to enjoy their tropical appeal, these plants are an excellent choice for your garden! 🌴🍍