Planting and Caring for a Papaya tree
Papayas are tropical plants, these trees have a long single trunk that is very slender. The inside of the fruit is very beautiful. Here on the island where I live the natives take great delight in feasting on these fruits.
Thinking about growing one or several of these trees, not a problem. Following this instruction can help you to grow and care for your papaya plant as you reap the benefits of this fruit.
What I also love about this plant is that it produces fruits in abundance which means your tree can yield a great harvest rewarding you for all that effort and tender loving care.
Planting your Papaya tree
1. The first thing you will need to do is to find a sunny location that receives about 6-8 hours of sunlight.
2. The planting hole should be cultivated with a mixture of peat moss and organic matter. Also, the planting hole should be twice the size of the root ball, for example, if the root ball is 1 foot in diameter, then the planting hole should be 2 feet in diameter. This extra space allows for easy installation and quick establishment of your papaya tree plant.
3. When installing trees do not plant too deeply, only the root ball should in the ground, the trunk of the tree should be above ground. The reason for this is if you plant incorrectly as stated your plant will suffocate and will have a vitamin deficiency problem that spells bad news.
4. Backfill with native soil and organic matter. Hold plant erect and firm soil around the base of your plant.
5. With a garden hose begin to water your plant, make sure that the water is not coming out too fast. The goal is to settle the soil as your plant receives water.
6. Mulch around the tree with a layer of 3 inches of mulch. For more on mulch follow this link. Do not let mulch come in contact with the tree trunk.
7. Do not allow the soil to completely dry out but rather keep it moist, not waterlogged.
8. Papayas can grow as tall as 30 feet so you want to give them plenty of room to grow.
Maintenance of your Papaya tree
Fertilize your tree with an organic or slow-release fertilizer. Read and follow directions.
Insect control
Papaya webworm- injuries the stem and fruit of the Papaya plant, the key is to apply permethrin or Bt (Bacillus thuingiensis ).
Papaya white fly- Is a tiny insect that lays oval-shaped yellow eggs on the underside of the leaves. When the eggs hatch the young insects feed on the plant causing damage. Removing infested leaves or using a pesticide label to treat this type of insect will bring control.
Papaya Fruit flies- lays their eggs in the skin of the papaya, this insect has black and yellow markings. Infected premature fruits have yellow spots and drop from the tree.
To control the spread of these insects and for good crop yield. Cover each fruit individually with paper bags during fruit development. Also, all infected fruit should be removed and disposed of.
The final word
Papayas are very delicious and I know you will enjoy them, By following these steps will ensure that you have a good harvest as you reap the benefits these fruits have to offer.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.