Papaya is a perennial plant that grows in tropical and subtropical areas where there is no freezing weather such as frost. Some varieties can grow up to 9 meters tall, and most have beige, yellow or orange flowers. Papaya fruits come in various shapes, including pear-shaped and round, and are famous for their sweet yellow-orange flesh. Read this article to learn how to grow papayas to increase survival and yield.
How to care for a papaya tree is part of a series of tutorials on growing papayas. The tutorials also include growing papayas from seeds, transplanting adult plants, and caring for papaya trees. If you want to know how to care for papaya trees, follow Let’s study this tutorial on growing papayas from the production department.
How to care for papaya trees
1Feed every two weeks. Apply fertilizer once every 10-14 days, diluting the fertilizer according to instructions. Use complete fertilizers, no specialized fertilizers. Fertilizer must be applied until the saplings reach a height of 30 cm.
- After the saplings grow to 30 cm, the grower will apply 0.1 kg of fertilizer every two weeks, but the fertilizer will not touch the roots. Slowly increase the amount and reduce the frequency. After 7 weeks, fertilize 0.9 kg every two weeks.
2Water on time. Don't overwater, but without enough water you won't be able to grow big fruits. If you are using loam soil with strong water storage, water it every three or four days. If using sandy or rocky soil, water once every two days when the weather is hot. Reduce frequency during cold seasons. 
< span class="step">3If necessary, mulch the roots with bark. Spread pine or other trees around the sapling’s rhizomesMulch can reduce weeds and increase soil moisture to prevent saplings from shrinking. Spread mulch 5 cm thick in a week 20 cm away from the rhizome. 
< span class="step">4Check leaves and bark frequently to be wary of pests and diseases. Spots or yellowing on leaves and bark indicate disease. Black spots on leaves have little impact, but if the area is large, antibiotics may be needed. Curved leaves indicate exposure to herbicides. Other problems, such as insect infestations or problems with the entire plant, require consultation with a gardening expert or the local Department of Agriculture. 
< span class="step">5The fruits are harvested when they are mature. Green papaya can be eaten as a vegetable, but many people like the orange ripe papaya because it tastes sweet. The fruits are ready to pick when they are green with a hint of yellow, and you can ripen them indoors away from pests.
Materials that may be used
- Several flower pots of about 3.8 liters
- Potting soil
- Papaya seeds
- Scissors
- Complete fertilizer
- Shovel
- Compost
- Bark mulch
DIY Tips
- Refrigerating ripe papaya can extend the shelf life and increase the flavor
Notes
- Do not use the lawnmower near the roots of the papaya tree to avoid accidentally damaging its branches. There should be no weeds within 0.9 meters around the papaya tree.
- Do not fertilize the grass next to the papaya tree. The roots of papaya trees will grow farther than the soil surface, and excess fertilizer will damage the roots.
Planting papaya
How to Grow Papaya Illustrated Tutorial on Growing Papaya from Seeds
