Carica papaya PAPAYA (10 seeds)

Papaya tree is a fast-growing tropical fruit tree belonging to the Caricaceae family. It is native to southern Mexico but is now found in most exotic countries.

This tree reaches a height of 3 to 6 meters and features impressive evergreen foliage. Its large, elongated pear-shaped fruit, known as the papaya, is yellow when ripe. On average, it measures 20 cm in length; its flesh is orange, and its taste is similar to that of peach and melon. The fruit grows in clusters directly on the trunk.

Papaya seeds come from Carica papaya species. They are black, oval-shaped, slightly wrinkled rather than smooth, and measure an average of 7 millimeters in length, weighing only a few decigrams.

The edible flowers consist of male flowers with a whitish corolla and pale yellow female flowers measuring 2 to 3 cm in length. Its evergreen foliage is green and umbrella-shaped, giving it a very exotic appearance. The deeply lobed leaves have long petioles that can reach 50 cm in length.

- Uses:

- Germination and Sowing:

• The most favorable period for sowing papaya seeds is during May, June, and July.
• Soak fresh seeds for 12 hours in lukewarm water before planting to facilitate germination.
• Bury them in a seed tray under 0.5 cm of substrate consisting of fine potting soil and sand. It is crucial that the substrate is well-draining.
• Gently mist the seeds with water.
• Place the tray in a greenhouse at a temperature close to 30°C.
• Germination typically begins 3 to 4 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type:

Requires a light, well-draining, slightly acidic substrate composed of coconut fiber. It needs depth due to its taproot system.

- Light Exposure:

For a good harvest, the plant must be in full sun. When grown indoors, it requires high light intensity.

- Temperature & Hardiness:

It grows very quickly when temperatures range between 25°C and 35°C. Below this range, growth will stop. It is not hardy and freezes in sub-zero temperatures. It is essential to bring the plant indoors before winter. Its USDA hardiness zone is 11.

- Watering:

This plant loves water. It must be watered regularly once the substrate becomes dry. Irrigate at the base of the plant using non-calcareous (soft) water.

- Propagation:

The simplest and fastest way to reproduce it is through seeds.

- Pests and Diseases:

It is sensitive to Phytophthora, which usually results from overwatering and leads to the rotting of roots, crowns, and fruits. Occasionally, the leaves may be attacked by powdery mildew or red spider mites.

- Maintenance:

Since this species is a "heavy feeder," it is recommended to provide a slow-release fertilizer once a year. Remove yellow and wilted leaves as the plant grows.