Babaco (Vasconcellea × heilbornii) 2L Pot
Babaco is a naturally occurring Andean hybrid fruit plant originating from western South America. It is considered a hybrid between Vasconcellea pubescens, commonly known as Mountain Papaya, and Vasconcellea stipulata.
Related to papaya, Babaco is grown for its upright growth, divided foliage and elongated yellow fruit. The plant develops a soft, upright trunk topped with large leaves, while flowers and fruit form along the main stem.
Babaco plants can develop fruit without cross-pollination. The seedless fruit begins green before ripening to yellow and has juicy, mildly acidic flesh with a fruity and aromatic flavour.
The ripe fruit can be eaten fresh or used in juices, preserves, desserts and cooked dishes.
In the UK, Babaco is best grown in a greenhouse or conservatory. It is more tolerant of cooler conditions than tropical papaya but remains tender and must be protected from frost.
Plant Details
Botanical name: Vasconcellea × pentagona
Hybrid parentage: Vasconcellea pubescens × Vasconcellea stipulata
Synonyms: Vasconcellea × heilbornii, Carica × pentagona
Common names: Babaco, Champagne Fruit
Origin: Western South America
Plant family: Caricaceae
Habit: Upright, short-lived evergreen fruiting perennial
Potential height: Approximately 2–3 metres in container cultivation under suitable conditions
Foliage: Large, divided green leaves
Flowers: Pale flowers produced along the main stem
Fruit: Long, five-sided seedless fruit ripening from green to yellow
Flavour: Mildly acidic, fruity and aromatic
Position: Full sun or bright partial shade
Suitable for: Greenhouses, conservatories and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy
Growing Advice
Grow your Babaco in fertile, moisture-retentive but freely draining compost. Good drainage is important because the fleshy roots and stem can be damaged by prolonged waterlogging.
Move the plant into progressively larger containers as it develops. Avoid placing a small plant into an excessively large pot, as compost that remains wet for long periods can increase the risk of root problems.
Keep the compost evenly moist during active growth but allow excess water to drain freely. Reduce watering during winter when growth slows.
Place the plant somewhere bright, warm and sheltered. Babaco prefers cooler subtropical conditions compared with tropical papaya but should still be kept frost free.
Feed regularly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Change to a high-potassium feed once flowers or young fruit begin to develop.
The upright stem and developing fruit may require support. Babaco can become top-heavy when grown in containers.
Overwinter in a bright greenhouse or conservatory, ideally above approximately 10°C. Cooler temperatures will slow growth and fruit development.
Fruiting in the UK
Babaco can flower and produce fruit under greenhouse or conservatory conditions without another plant for pollination.
Fruit development requires strong light, steady warmth and a long growing period. Growth and flower production may slow or stop during the darker winter months.
Fruit production and ripening cannot be guaranteed in the UK.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one healthy Babaco plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.
Young plants may not yet have developed the thick stem, mature leaves or flowers seen on established specimens.
Important Information
The plant produces a milky latex sap that may irritate the skin. Wear gloves when pruning or handling damaged stems and leaves.
Only fully ripe fruit should be considered for consumption. Keep the plant away from children and pets that may chew the foliage.