Papaya trees

Does anyone know about growing Hawaiian Papayas in Pt. Loma? I tried to grow them by seed, but they never got any bigger than an inch or two before they died or were eaten by something. I ordered one from a local nursery and now I am wondering how to take care of it and when I should put it in the ground. I saw one in back of Pt. Loma Nazarene that is doing very well. Any suggestions? Tanya

Hi Tanyad,
I think this is fantastic example of how different microclimates really affect plants on the edge of a climate zone. I live just down the hill from the Nazarene University (not on the ocean side), and I'm pretty sure I know where you're talking about (just behind the preschool). I live at the bottom a little hill where cold air will settle so although I'm only about 1000 yards from the tree you're talking about, but I can't grow Hawaiian Papayas in my yard. I've tried a number of times and they grow really fast in the summer, look great, have blossoms late summer and then the fruit starts to ripen over winter. My problem is there is always a cold snap during the winter that destroys the top of the plant. It basically shrivels and gradually turns to mush from the top down. The plant will rebound once it warms up and then I would have all sorts of hope then BAM - cold snap again!

I'm almost positive that if you lived at the top of the hill (like the university) or on either the bay or ocean side - on a slope of the hill (not at the bottom) you would have more success.

Two other options - try a Mexican Papaya, they say there are a little more cold hardy. Usually you can get the Mexican varieties at Walter Andersen's in Point Loma about this time of year.

I've been told the best time to plant them is after the weather starts to warm up and there's no chance of frost. Frost is Mr. Papaya's enemy.

Also one of our featured experts recommends another form of Papaya called a babaco, I've seen it growing with all sorts of fruit on the side of a hill in carmel del mar - here's a link to some of his other recommendations bit.ly/a6cyOX .

I hope this helps and good luck!
Mitch

Hi Tanyad,
Mitch is mostly right about Papayas. But there is probably more. For one thing they need really well draining soil, the roots don't want to be 'wet' all of the time. Usually they do best in soils with a lot of organic content, so if you do plant one be sure to and an ample amount of some sort of 'planter mix'. Papayas are also 'cold sensitive' they don't do much in cooler months and if you get temps in the low 30's they are very unhappy.
Another thing you should be aware of is 'most' Papaya plants bloom with either male or female blooms. So you usually have a male plant of a female plant. Only the female will produce fruit. BUT you need a male plant to polonaise the female blooms in order to get fruit. It is a little early to find Papaya plants in nurseries yet, but probably in 2 or 3 weeks some should be available. 'Usually' growers plant several plants in one pot, this way your odds of getting a male and a female is much better. Also you don't have to by two different plants, and until the bloom, you can't tell if it is a male or a female plant, so this arrangement is usually a lot better.
There are some exceptions to the 'male/female' situation. There is a Papaya from Thailand that has both male and female blooms on the same plant. So if you get one of these, you only need one plant to produce fruit. They are usually sold as "Thai Dwarf" Papayas. This one has medium size fruit, about the size of a nice Avocado.
Generally the Mexican Papayas are larger, some as large as a football but the flavor and texture is not nearly as good. Most sold as "Hawaiian", are male or female so you need more than one (several not just two) to be sure you will be getting a male and a female plant.
During warmer months the tend to grow fairly fast. A little general purpose fertilizer will also make them grow faster and stronger. Generally feeding them once a month, is about right for this time of the year. The last feeding should probably be in September, you don't want a lot of young tender growth in winter.
They generally grow easily from seed, even the Thai Dwarf, but they all need good soil and drainage. Usually full sun is the best place to have them.

Thanks Mitch and Walter!

The type I got is a Solo papaya. I don't like the Mexican papayas, so I think I will keep my eye out for a babaco type.

I did read that about the male and female flowers and I wondered how I would deal with that. Maybe I will try to plant more seeds.

Mitch, I am up on Catalina on the frontage road, so not really in a trough or valley, maybe I can get one to grow. I will let you know.

Thanks for the information!

Tanya

This is a excellent time to germinate the seed. They usually sprout quickly, keep them in containers for a while, at least until they get about 8" to 10" tall. You can easily have 5 or 6 plants in a one gallon container, when they are small. When you move them into the soil be sure to mix in about half soil amendment to the soil. Something like "Bumper Crop" or "SunShine Planter Mix" would be great. Keep them moist, not wet, I think they should grow fine for you. They probably will not get large enough to set fruit this year, but it is possible. Next year you should have some fruit. If we have a cold winter, you might toss an old bed sheet over the plant if you think we might get some frost. (take it off in the day time) Often they loose much or all of the foliage in winter, but should leaf out again about this time next year.

how do you like papayas, ripe or green?
Is there any difference in their cultivation?