Papaya (Carica papaya) 2L Pot
Carica papaya is a fast-growing tropical fruit plant grown for its divided foliage and elongated fruit.
Papaya develops a single upright, hollow stem topped with a crown of large, deeply divided leaves. Mature plants produce flowers close to the main stem, followed by green fruit that ripens to yellow or orange.
The ripe flesh is soft and sweet, with a flavour commonly compared with melon and tropical fruit. It can be eaten fresh or used in juices, smoothies, desserts and cooked dishes.
In the UK, Papaya must be grown in a heated greenhouse, conservatory or warm indoor growing space. It requires strong light and consistent warmth throughout the year.
Plant Details
Botanical name: Carica papaya
Common names: Papaya, Pawpaw
Plant family: Caricaceae
Habit: Fast-growing, upright tropical perennial
Potential height: Approximately 2–4 metres in a large container under suitable conditions
Foliage: Large, deeply divided green leaves
Flowers: Cream or pale yellow flowers produced close to the stem
Fruit: Elongated fruit ripening from green to yellow or orange
Position: Full sun or very bright light
Suitable for: Heated greenhouses, conservatories and large containers
Hardiness: Very tender and not frost hardy
Growing Advice
Grow your Papaya in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-draining compost. Move the plant carefully into progressively larger containers as it develops.
Papayas have sensitive root systems and should not be left standing in water. Keep the compost evenly moist during active growth while allowing excess water to drain freely.
Place the plant in a warm, bright and sheltered position. Protect it from cold draughts, sudden temperature changes and damage to the main stem.
Feed regularly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Change to a high-potassium feed if flowers or young fruit begin to develop.
Papaya requires warm conditions throughout the year. Keeping the plant above approximately 15°C is recommended, with temperatures above 18°C preferred for active growth.
Growth may slow considerably during the UK winter because of reduced light levels. Reduce watering slightly during this period while avoiding complete drying.
Fruiting in the UK
Papaya plants may be male, female or hermaphrodite. The sex of a seed-grown plant cannot normally be confirmed until it flowers.
Female plants require pollen from a male or hermaphrodite plant, while hermaphrodite plants may be capable of setting fruit alone.
Fruiting in the UK requires a mature plant, sustained warmth, strong light and successful pollination. Fruit production is possible in a heated greenhouse or conservatory but cannot be guaranteed.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one Papaya plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.
Plant sex cannot be identified at this stage. Plant height, stem thickness and leaf development will vary naturally.
Important Information
Seed-grown Papaya plants are genetically variable, and future fruit size, shape, flavour and plant sex cannot be guaranteed.
Only ripe fruit flesh should be consumed. The plant produces milky latex when damaged, which may irritate sensitive skin.
Keep the plant away from children and pets that may chew the foliage.