Name: Dwarf Papaya (Carica Papaya) Graham Sweet
SKU: 15214
Price: 40.00 NAD
Availability: InStock

A papaya fruit, scientifically known as Carica papaya, is a tropical fruit that is widely appreciated for its sweet and tropical flavor, vibrant orange or reddish-orange flesh, and numerous health benefits.

A papaya is a tropical fruit that typically has the following physical characteristics:

Size and Shape:
- Papayas come in various sizes, but they are generally elongated and pear-shaped or oval.
- They can range from 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) in length.
Skin:
- The skin of a papaya is thin and smooth.
- When ripe, it can be yellow or orange in color, while unripe papayas are green.
- The color may vary depending on the variety.
Texture:
- Ripe papayas have a soft and slightly yielding texture, similar to that of a ripe avocado.
- Unripe papayas are firmer and can be used in savory dishes or salads.
Flesh:
- The inner flesh of a papaya is usually a vibrant orange or pinkish-red color.
- It is smooth and somewhat slippery in texture.
- The center of the papaya contains a cavity filled with small, black, round seeds.

Best Planting Time	The best time to plant papayas depends on the climate and weather conditions in your region. Papayas are tropical plants and require warm temperatures to thrive. Here are some general guidelines for planting papayas: 1. Warm Climate Regions: If you live in a tropical or subtropical region with consistently warm temperatures, you can plant papayas year-round. However, the best time is typically during the late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up, and the risk of frost has passed. 2. Temperate Climate Regions: In regions with a temperate climate, where winters can be cold, it's best to plant papayas in the late spring or early summer when the threat of frost has subsided, and the weather is warm. You want to ensure that the soil and air temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C) for successful growth. 3. Rainy Season: Papayas thrive in well-drained soil and require regular watering. Planting during the rainy season can help establish the plants, but be cautious not to let the soil become waterlogged. <b>Protect from Cold:</b> Papaya plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and can be damaged or killed by frost. If you're in an area with occasional cold spells, consider planting papayas in a sheltered location or using protective measures such as covering the plants with frost blankets or creating microclimates or mulching the papayas.
Period to Fruiting	Papayas are fast-growing and can produce fruit in as little as 5 -12 months, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Size Of The Hole	The size of a hole for a papaya tree when planting should be 60cm (length) by 60cm (width) by 60cm (height). Prepare the soil by adding organic matter and ensuring good drainage before planting. It's important to note that papaya plants are sensitive to transplanting, so it's often better to start them from young seedlings in their final planting location.
Papaya Spacing	The best papaya spacing is 4m by 4m, this is to ensure that you cater for good air circulation and leave room for growth of the plant. Note that papayas thrive in full sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Irrigation	Papaya plants require consistent moisture during their early stages of growth. Young papaya plants should be irrigated regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water them deeply to encourage deep root growth. Shallow, frequent watering can lead to shallow root development. A drip irrigation system or soaker hoses can be effective for providing consistent moisture without wetting the foliage, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Once the papaya plant has established water atleast 3 time a week,
Fertilization	Organic fertilization for papayas involves using natural and sustainable materials to provide essential nutrients to the plants. Here are some organic fertilization methods and tips for growing healthy papaya plants: Organic Liquid Fertilizers: You can make organic liquid fertilizers by steeping comfrey or compost or rotten manure or other organic materials in water. Use the strained liquid as a foliar spray or soil drench to provide nutrients to your papaya plants. Apply liquid fertilizer to the papaya every after 2 weeks. Compost: Compost is a valuable organic fertilizer that improves soil structure and provides a wide range of nutrients. You can make compost from kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials. Apply a layer of compost around the base of the papaya plant every 2 months. Well-Rotted Manure: Well-rotted manure from animals like cows, horses, or chickens is rich in nutrients and can be used as an organic fertilizer. Apply it as a top dressing around the papaya plant, avoiding direct contact with the stem to prevent rot. Apply this every 2 months. Organic Mulch: Organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or wood chips, can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the papaya plant to conserve moisture and provide slow-release nutrients as it breaks down. Replenish whenever the mulch reduces. Worm Castings: Worm castings, also known as vermicompost, are rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Incorporate worm castings into the soil or use them as a top dressing for papaya plants. Apply every 2 months.
Papaya Common Diseases	Papaya (Carica papaya) is a tropical fruit tree that can be susceptible to various diseases, which can affect the plant's health and fruit production. Common diseases in papayas include: Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV): This is one of the most devastating diseases affecting papaya plants. It is transmitted by aphids and causes characteristic ringspots on the leaves, leading to reduced fruit quality and yield. Papaya Mosaic Virus (PapMV): Another viral disease, Papaya Mosaic Virus, causes mosaic patterns on the leaves, mottling, and distortion. It can also lead to reduced fruit production. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect papaya plants, causing a white powdery growth on the leaves. This can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize and produce healthy fruit. Black Spot Fungus (Asperisporium caricae): Black spot fungus leads to the development of black spots on the leaves and can cause premature defoliation if left untreated. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects various parts of the papaya plant, including leaves, stems, and fruit. It can lead to rotting of fruit and reduce its market value. Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. caricae and can lead to leaf spotting, stem cankers, and reduced fruit yield. Root-Knot Nematodes: These microscopic worms can infest papaya roots, causing root galls and impairing the plant's ability to take up nutrients and water. This can lead to stunted growth and reduced fruit production. Fruit Rot: Various fungal pathogens can cause fruit rot in papayas, especially during wet and humid conditions. The infected fruit develops brown or black lesions and becomes inedible. Leaf Curl Disease: This disease, caused by a combination of factors including a phytoplasma and whitefly vectors, leads to leaf curling and distortion. Gray Mold (Botrytis cinerea): Gray mold can affect papaya fruit during storage, causing grayish fungal growth on the surface and rendering the fruit unsellable. To prevent and manage these diseases, it's essential to implement good agricultural practices, including proper sanitation, regular inspection, and the use of disease-resistant papaya varieties when available. Additionally, biological control methods can be used to manage some of these diseases, but it's important to consult with local agricultural authorities or experts for guidance on disease management in your specific region.
Pest Control	Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for papaya involves using a combination of organic and sustainable methods to control pests while minimizing the impact on the environment. Here are some organic ways to manage pests in papaya cultivation: Cultural Practices: Crop Rotation: Rotate papaya with other crops to disrupt the life cycle of pests and reduce their buildup in the soil. Companion Planting: Plant pest-repelling plants such as marigolds, basil, nasturtiums or any strong smelling herbs alongside papaya to deter pests. Proper Spacing: Adequate spacing between papaya plants promotes better air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases, space them at 4m apart. Biological Control: Beneficial Insects: Introduce natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control common papaya pests like aphids and whiteflies. Nematodes: Use beneficial nematodes to control soil-dwelling pests like root-knot nematodes. Organic Pesticides: Neem Oil/Neem tea: Neem oil is effective against a wide range of pests. It disrupts the feeding and reproductive cycles of insects. Aloe vera Liquid: Aloevera liquid repels pests from the leaves and the stem by maintaining a bitter taste that is not enjoyed by the pests. Aloevera liquid is also powerful toward any fungal diseases. Liquid soap/Olive oil mixture: This mixture was discovered by Organic Farm 7 and it's the most powerful and effective organic pesticide because it kills any pest incurred by any plant. Pyrethrin: Derived from chrysanthemum flowers, pyrethrin-based sprays are effective against many papaya pests. Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of papaya plants to control crawling insects. Trap Crops: Plant trap crops like sunflowers or mustard around your papaya field to attract and divert pests away from the main crop. Biological Fungicides: Organic Fertilization: Use organic fertilizers, such as comfrey, compost or well-rotted manure, to promote healthy papaya plants. Healthy plants are more resistant to pests and diseases. Pruning and Sanitation: Remove and destroy infected or infested plant parts promptly to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Prune papaya trees to improve air circulation and reduce the hiding places for pests. Handpicking: Regularly inspect your papaya plants and manually remove any pests you find, such as caterpillars, snails, or beetles. Monitoring and Record-Keeping: Keep a record of pest populations and their activity in your papaya plantation. This will help you make informed decisions about pest control strategies. Remember that effective IPM involves a combination of these methods and ongoing monitoring to adapt to changing pest pressures. It's also important to promote overall plant health through good cultural practices, as healthy papaya plants are better able to withstand pest infestations and diseases.

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