🍈 Papaya: Growing Guide
Papaya (Carica papaya) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 5–45 °C (41–113 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 300 cm (118 in) apart. Expect 270+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Carica papaya |
|---|---|
| Category | Exotic |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 300 cm (118 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 5–45 °C (41–113 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 270+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 2 cm (0.8 in) |
| Height | 200–1000 cm (79–394 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out |
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Feb · Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Nov · Plant out: Feb, Dec · Harvest: Jun–Sep.
Watering
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Regular watering, good drainage.
Growing tips
Very fast (fruit in 9 months)! In cooler climates, grow in a pot or greenhouse.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Papaya: when should I sow and plant it?
Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Feb · Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Nov · Plant out: Feb, Dec · Harvest: Jun–Sep.
Papaya: how often should I water it?
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Regular watering, good drainage.
Papaya: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 300 cm (118 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 2 cm (0.8 in).
Papaya: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 270+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Papaya: which plants grow well with it?
Mango.
Papaya: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Papaya ringspot virus, Mealybug.
Plan your garden
Add Papaya to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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