Papaya is one of the fastest fruit trees to pay back, often fruiting within the first year. It rewards good drainage and steady feeding, and it punishes waterlogging.
Nursery and planting
Raise seedlings in bags or trays and transplant when they are sturdy and a hand high. Plant on a slight mound or ridge so water drains away from the stem. Plant a few extra seedlings, because the sex of young plants cannot always be told; keep the fruiting types and remove surplus males.
Feeding and water
Papaya feeds heavily and fruits all year, so it needs regular nitrogen and potassium and attention to boron, which affects fruit shape. Water regularly but never let water stand around the roots.
Picking
Pick when the first yellow streaks show on the skin. Handle fruit gently, because the skin bruises easily, and keep it in shade. Rogue out plants with ring-spot or mosaic leaves early so the disease does not spread.
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