How to Grow Papaya

A warm-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Papaya is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Papaya in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the papaya page for exact timing.

Varieties

Red Lady, PRSV-tolerant, reliable bearer (Florida nurseries)
Solo / Sunrise, Small sweet single-serve fruit (Florida nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 200 cm (79 in) between plants.
Sowing: sow about 1 cm deep.
Water: roughly 12 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

In humid regions, Papaya ringspot virus, Anthracnose and Phytophthora can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Papaya is usually ready to harvest within roughly 10 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant papaya where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →