{"id":1023,"date":"2023-05-01T15:20:36","date_gmt":"2023-05-01T22:20:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=1023"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:58:59","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:58:59","slug":"how-to-grow-papayas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-papayas\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Papayas &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/www.gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/How-to-Grow-Papayas.png\" alt=\"papayas plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nPapayas, which are known botanically as Carica papaya, are a type of fruit that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing papayas as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-papayas\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Papayas\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Papayas\">Best Time to Plant Papayas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-papayas\/#How_to_Plant_Papayas_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Papayas the Right Way\">How to Plant Papayas the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-papayas\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Papayas\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Papayas\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Papayas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-papayas\/#How_Much_to_Water_Papayas\" title=\"How Much to Water Papayas\">How Much to Water Papayas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-papayas\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Papayas_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Papayas to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Papayas to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-papayas\/#When_to_Harvest_Papayas\" title=\"When to Harvest Papayas\">When to Harvest Papayas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-papayas\/#What_Can_Papayas_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Papayas Be Used For?\">What Can Papayas Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-papayas\/#Can_Papayas_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Papayas Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Papayas Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-papayas\/#Are_Papayas_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Papayas Safe for Bees?\">Are Papayas Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Papayas\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Papayas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the papaya seeds plant papaya seeds anytime. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when papayas are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Papayas_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Papayas the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing papayas in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your papayas grow. Generally, your soil should be well-drained and fertile. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 5.5 to 7.0.<\/p>\n<p>15-20 feet apart in rows 15-20 feet apart. 8-10 feet apart in rows 8-10 feet apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 24-36&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your papaya seedlings plant papayas at least 8-10 feet apart.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Papayas\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Papayas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your papayas. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your papayas should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Papayas\"><\/span>How Much to Water Papayas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your papayas do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your papayas begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Papayas_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Papayas to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your papayas grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately 14-21 days to germinate, and a total of 9-12 months for fruit production from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Papayas\"><\/span>When to Harvest Papayas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your papayas is when papayas are fully colored, slightly soft to the touch, and have a sweet aroma.<\/p>\n<p>Papayas can grow up to about varies by variety, typically 6-18&#8243; length fruit.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Papayas_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Papayas Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> great for snacking, smoothies, and cooking.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> varies by variety, from sweet to mild and juicy to firm.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Papayas_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Papayas Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can plant dwarf varieties in 24-36&#8243; containers. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your papayas around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Papayas_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Papayas Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, papayas are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing papayas is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Papayas, which are known botanically as Carica papaya, are a type of fruit that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing papayas as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Papayas This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the papaya seeds plant papaya seeds anytime. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when papayas are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":976,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[231,18],"tags":[22,192],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1023"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1023"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1023\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1157,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1023\/revisions\/1157"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/976"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1023"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1023"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1023"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}