I started growing papayas late last year and was surprised how fast they grew. Though I later found out that they can grow even faster after the first 18 months. Reaching heights of up to four metres in just a few seasons. Though don’t be alarmed. There is a way you can mantain your papaya to a reachable size.
If you look at the trunk you will notice leaf scars. Widely spaced leaf scars means that there was a growth spurt and so this part is hollow. The close scars indicate relative dormancy and this part is solid. You should cut about 5cm above the solid part with a pruning saw and cover with a tin or bucket to prevent moisture on the newly cut stem. Once the cut has healed it can be removed. The papaya should recover and bring out side shoots and begin fruiting almost immediately.
Here’s some of the ones I planted. All I did was cleaned the seed out the soft gel and let it dry out for a day or two before planting. This way it stops the seeds from rotting before germination. Though this time I did use old seeds that I collected over a year ago and they worked fine as long as it’s kept dry.
Place the seeds 2cm deep in the potting mix and keep moist but not wet, in a warm sunny position. If your seedlings haven’t emerged after 2 weeks, start again with new seeds as the seeds might not have been mature enough.
wow, that’s amazing. i just bought a baby papaya plant at the farmer’s market and am scrolling around trying to find out how i need to take care of it. i can’t believe that photo with the fruit! incredible. and in a container, no less! wow.
Comment by tifanie — September 12, 2008 @ 4:48 am
I planted my first papaya this year, too! It was about 1 foot tall, maybe slightly taller, when I planted it in February. By September 1, 2008, it was about 7 feet tall!! I couldn’t believe how fast it grew!
Of course, on Septeber 1, 2008, Gustav blew threw & knocked off half the tree and all the leaves on one side, BUT the two fruit that had already set remained, despite the wind. And the top has now recovered & has two new branches growing that are covered with buds.
A light frost last night caused the fruit to crack, despite being covered, so I will be draining them & cooking them tonight! If the tree survives the few cold nights here, I am hoping for more fruit in the spring or summer!
Comment by Karla — November 17, 2008 @ 2:33 pm