Papaya
Papaya is a tropical fruit
Green outside yellow inside
Taste like mango and melon
Native to South America
Contains the enzyme papain for protein digestion
It is a large evergreen herb
Semi-woody height 25–30 feet
Trunk diameter about 1 foot
Natural lifespan 15–20 years
Provides 30% of daily potassium magnesium and folate
Contains 6 grams of dietary fiber
Provides 20% of daily vitamin A and E
Contains 10% of vitamin K and some B vitamins
Rich in antioxidants like carotene vitamin C and flavonoids
Papaya is a tropical plant
Needs moderate heat and suitable humidity
Tolerates light frost but not severe frost
Does not tolerate drought or stagnant water
Grows well in sandy or loamy soil
Needs light and regular watering
Soil should not dry out or flood
Requires good nutrition for fast growth
Organic fertilization is useful after fruit set
Propagation can be by seeds or cuttings
Seeds are easier and produce male or female plants
Cuttings are less successful and weaker
To grow from seeds extract them from the fruit
Wash and dry in shade store in a closed container
Plant in a mix of sand perlite peat moss and some topsoil
Water lightly and regularly in a warm sunny place
Seeds germinate in about two weeks
After first true leaves appear move each seedling to a separate pot
When big enough plant in the final site
Papaya needs a warm climate and full sun
Good drainage soil and proper spacing are important
