Carica Papaya

Carica papaya, commonly known as paw paw or papaya, is a fast-growing tropical fruit tree that can begin producing fruit within 12 months of planting. Often grown in home gardens, it is valued for its attractive form, manageable size and large, lush foliage that gives a distinctly tropical look, along with the delicious fruit it produces. Native to southern Mexico and Central America, papaya is now widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions where it thrives in warm conditions. While the trees grow quickly, they are typically most productive for around 5–6 years. Papaya plants can be male, female or hermaphrodite, and these types are easily distinguished by their flowers. When growing separate male and female plants, a single male tree can fertilise seven or more females. Bees are the main pollinators, so they must be able to move freely between trees. Fruit usually takes around 60–120 days to mature and requires a long, warm summer to fully ripen. In consistently warm climates, papaya can produce fruit year-round, with healthy trees yielding up to 30 kg of fruit in a season.

Soil: Well-drained soil.

Conditions: Full sun. Warm, temperate climates.

Size: Height 3-8m x width 3-4m