Papaya
Scientific Name: Carica papaya
Plant type
tree
size
- H: 6'-20'
- W: 3'-15'
planting zones
- 10a-12
Papaya plant details
Papaya is a broadleaf evergreen tree with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer white flowers emerge followed by green and orange fruit. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Papaya
- Plant type: tree
- Plant family: caricaceae
- Foliage: evergreen green
- Mature size: 3 FT - 15 FT - wide, 6 FT - 20 FT - tall
- Flowers: white blooms in fall, spring and summer
- Uses: edible, hedge
GROWING CONDITIONS for Papaya
- USDA Zones: 10a - 12
- Sun exposure: sun
- Watering frequency: regular
- Resistant to: heat
- Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained
Nursery contributed plant descriptions
Carica papaya is the species that brings us the delicious papaya fruit. These large, tropical, melon-like fruits are sweet and delicious perfect for fresh eating or smoothies. Plants grow as short-lived trees for up to 10 years usually as a single unbranched trunk with large, dramatic, deeply lobed leaves up to 30 inches wide. The white flowers are borne in the leaf axils. Ripening fruit turns from green to yellow or orange. Good drainage is important. Safest to keep above about 10 degrees Celsius.
Gardening facts about Papaya plant
How to Grow Papaya
Sun Exposure
- sun
Water Needs
- regular
Soil Needs
- acidic
- well-drained
- rich
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
Features
Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- white
Wildlife
- bees
Fruit
- orange
- green
Flower Season
- spring
- summer
- fall
Foliage Season
- evergreen
Landscape groups by tags
See other plant types of Carica for your garden
Scientific Name: Carica papaya 'T.R. Hovey'
aka Carica papaya 'TR Hovey', TR Hovey Papaya
Plant Type
Tree, Fruit / Vegetable
Zones
10a-12
Size
Height: 4'-8'
Width: 2'
- sun - mostly sun
- even moisture - regular
View Plant
Scientific Name: Vasconcellea pubescens
aka Carica pubescens, Vasconcella pubescens
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Zones
9b-10b
Size
Height: 12'-30'
Width: 15'-30'
- sun
- even moisture - regular
View Plant
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