Papaya
Carica papaya
Fast-growing fruiter; dwarf varieties suit containers; needs sun and regular moisture.
🌞 Light & Temperature
Light: Full sun (6–8+ hours)
Temperature: 23–33°C optimal; below 15°C growth slows
🪴 Pot & Soil
Pot: 60–90 L pot (50–65 cm diameter) with very free drainage; avoid root disturbance.
Soil Mix: Free-draining mix: 30% sandy loam, 30% compost, 20% coco coir, 20% perlite; pH 6.0–6.8
💧 Watering
Schedule: Dry season: 2–3x/week; Rainy season: 1–2x/week if no rain
Amount: 4–6 L per watering
Let top 3–5 cm dry between waterings; very sensitive to waterlogging.
🧪 Fertilizing
Type: Balanced fruiting feed (NPK 12-12-17 or 15-15-15) + micronutrients
Frequency: Every 3–4 weeks
Dosage: 50–70 g/month for 60–90 L pot; add 1–2 handfuls of dolomite every 6 months if pH < 6
🍓 Fruiting & Harvest
Start: 6–12 months from seed; earlier from grafts
Seasonality: Year-round in Malaysia
Duration: Fruits mature 3–4 months after pollination
Harvest Indicators: Skin turns from dark green to yellow-green; latex flow reduces; aromatic smell
Tips: Harvest at breaker stage for better shelf life; handle gently to avoid bruising.
🌱 Propagation
Seeds (select hermaphrodite/dioecious as desired); grafted plants fruit earlier.
🐛 Pests & Diseases
- Aphids & whiteflies: Yellow sticky traps; neem oil 0.5–1% weekly; wash undersides.
- Anthracnose: Prune for airflow; copper fungicide during wet spells.
- Papaya ringspot virus: Use resistant cultivars; remove infected plants promptly.
🌦️ Seasonal Notes (Malaysia)
Provide rain cover during prolonged monsoon to reduce disease; improve airflow.
📝 Planting Notes
Do not overpot seedlings; transplant once to final container; avoid burying stem.
💡 Extra Care Tips
- Thin to strongest plant if multiple seedlings in one pot
- Hand-pollinate if fruit set is poor
- Mulch to suppress weeds and conserve moisture
Note
Schedules are guidelines—adjust for your microclimate, pot size, and weather. During heavy monsoon rain, reduce watering and improve drainage.