Red lady F1 Papaya (selected variety) Plant

Plant Description:

Carica papaya is a tropical plant native to South America. The "Red Lady" variety, a selected variety from Taiwan, is known for its excellent taste, vigorous growth, and dwarfing habit. It is also considered more cold-tolerant than other papaya varieties in New Zealand.

Papaya plants are highly productive and make a great understory addition to food forest setups. They are relatively easy to grow when provided with suitable conditions. The plants come in a balanced ratio of approximately 50% female and 50% hermaphrodite.

Flowering and fruiting can be expected within the first calendar year in New Zealand. While papayas can be grown in pots, their shallow root system means they generally perform better when planted in the ground especially in the North Island.

Expected Plant Height = 20 cm

Cultivation requirements:

Climate: Papayas thrive in consistently warm temperatures above 10°C and are sensitive to frost. Protect plants from frost by using shelters or growing them indoors during cold periods

Soil: Plant in well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Papayas prefer fertile, sandy to loamy soils with good organic content.

Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Well-drained soil and moderate irrigation are essential to prevent root diseases.

Sunlight: Papayas require full sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to reduce stress.

A detailed growing video will be posted on the blog in the coming days.

Photo by Bon Vivant on Unsplash