Papaya Tree for Sale

Planting instructions

Find a sunny location protected from cold temperatures and windy conditions. A southern exposure is ideal. Avoid any clay or heavier soils. They tend to retain too much water and end up causing root rot. Red Lady papaya plants thrive in rich, well-draining soil full of compost or other organic matter. Aim for a pH range of approximately 5.5 to 6.7. Test your soil before planting and amend as needed to reach that pH goal.

Dig the hole at least two to threes times the size of the papaya plant’s root ball or original container. If you’re using more than one plant, space the holes at least 10 feet apart. Amend the soil for drainage and pH, then place the plant into the hole without disturbing the roots. Tamp the soil down and water deeply. Pay close attention to the soil’s moisture content until the plant is firmly established.

Watering and nutrients

Papaya plants require plenty of water when first planted and for producing fruit. Avoid overwatering your papaya as it hates wet feet. Also, be sure it doesn’t get too dry, or the flowers will drop. Soak your Red Lady papaya until the water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Wait until the top inch or two of the papaya plant’s soil is dry before watering again.

These plants are heavy feeders during their production season. Use a well-balanced fertilizer designed for fruiting plants. Feed every other week while the plant is producing fruit.

Pollination

Red Lady papaya plants are self-pollinating, so they don’t need much help. Commercial plantations often hand-pollinate their plants to ensure fewer male plants. Home gardeners will usually just allow nature to take its course. Most tropical areas where papaya plants thrive are also home to local pollinators. Bees, birds, and bugs will all help you reach your goal of pollinated blossoms.

Pruning

Papaya plants grow from a single, semi-woody stem and do not generally branch out when growing in the wild. To keep your papaya a manageable height, however, you can simply cut off the top inch, which should cause it to send out several upward-facing branches. Every time it has gained five inches or more, you can repeat the process. This creates a thicker stem on young plants and encourages older trees to grow more branches to the side.

Pests and diseases

Mites, scale-type insects, and fruit flies are common enemies of the papaya plant. Use insecticides and prevention measures such as removing damaged or old leaves and fruit. It is also a good practice not to allow ripe fruit to remain overlong on the plant.

Anthracnose, crown or root rot, and ringspot virus are diseases that may harm your papaya. Good management is key to fending off these problems. Don’t allow your plant to get too much rain or water. Remove any affected or diseased leaves, fruits, or entire plants and dispose of them. Fungicides can also be helpful.

Harvesting

An intensely sweet fragrance is the first sign. After that, watch the papaya fruit’s skin changing color to help you determine when it’s time for harvest. Once the fruit’s skin has turned from about a third to half yellow and is slightly soft, it is time to pick it. The yellow skin indicates that your Red Lady’s fruit is sweet and ready to eat. You can either twist the fruit from the branch or use a knife to cut it from the stem. When kept cool, you can store the fruit for up to about three weeks.

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