🌱 How to Grow Papaya from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: पपीता (Papita)

• Tamil: பப்பாளி (Pappali)

• Telugu: బొప్పాయి (Boppayi)

• Malayalam: പപ്പായ (Pappaya)

• Kannada: ಪಪಾಯ (Papaya)

• English: Papaya / Papaw

• Botanical Name: Carica papaya

1. Choose the Right Season

• Tropical warm-season plant

• Best time to sow:

  • Spring–Summer: Feb–Apr

  • Monsoon: Jun–Aug (with good drainage)

• Ideal Temperature: 22°C–35°C

• Sensitive to frost and waterlogging

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy loam or loamy soil

• pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–6.8)

• Mix in compost, cow dung manure, and neem cake for soil enrichment

3. Sow the Seeds

• Use fresh seeds from a ripe, healthy fruit

• Wash to remove gelatinous coating and dry in shade for a day

• Depth: Sow ½ inch (1.2 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Garden: 6–8 feet between plants

  • Containers: Large 18–24 inch pots, sow 4–5 seeds per pot and thin to 1–2 healthiest plants

• Water gently after sowing

4. Watering

• Water 2–3 times a week

• Keep soil moist but never soggy

• Avoid overhead watering to prevent rot and fungal diseases

5. Germination

• Germinates in 10–20 days

• Needs warmth and consistent moisture

• Thin out weaker seedlings

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires full sunlight – 6–8 hours per day

• Grows best in temperatures between 25°C to 35°C

• Protect young plants from strong winds

7. Fertilization

• Feed every 2–3 weeks with compost or organic liquid fertilizer

• During flowering and fruiting, add bone meal or potash-rich fertilizer

• Avoid excess nitrogen to prevent weak stems

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, spider mites, fruit flies

• Use neem oil + mild soap spray every 15 days

• Remove weeds and fallen leaves regularly

9. Harvesting

• Fruits ready in 5–8 months from sowing

• Harvest when papayas turn yellowish and soften slightly

• Cut fruits carefully with a sharp knife

10. Regrow Tip

• Save seeds from healthy, ripe papayas

• Wash, dry, and store in a cool, dry place for future sowing

🌿 Health Benefits of Papaya

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and E – boosts immunity

• Contains papain – aids digestion and reduces inflammation

• Promotes skin health and healing

• Supports heart and eye health