Arghya Gardens

Planting Tips For Papaya And Other Seeds                                                                                                                                                              

 
 



The 42 cell tray.
 












 
Papayas transplanted to gallon containers.
 












 
Young papaya, approx. nine months old.










            

                          

Proper Soil Mix

       The most important element in seed sprouting is the soil mix. Ordinary garden soil, no matter how rich, is loaded with bacteria, minute animal life (namely the voracious nemetode),  fungi and other deadly stuff. Any of these can wreak havoc with seedlings by causing the dreaded "damping off".  Damping off is easily recognized. One day your sprouts are standing tall and proud, the next day they look like microscopic lumberjacks have buzz sawed them off at soil level...a mighty depressing sight. Your sprouts have reached the point of no return. Damping off can be avoided by planting seeds in sterile soil mixes specially designed for seed sprouting. Use of  anti-fungal products like Banrot can also help retard the damping off process. Make sure to read directions carefully. You may also nuke your soil in the microwave, or bake it in a conventional oven at 325 degrees for an hour. The smell will break your heart, but  you can take consolation knowing that smell is incinerated micro organisms that could have caused sprout genocide. Damping off is also caused by overwatering. Unless you're growing seaweed, don't make the mistake of drowning the little guys. Give them a poke each day. If the soil is moist, leave them alone. On the flip side, NEVER allow them to dry out completely.

                                     Containers

        Once you have soil and seeds prepared, its time to find an appropriate container or tray to keep your mini science lab organized. Multi-celled plastic trays are inexpensive and provide each seed with it's own living space. These cells contain roots and allow for better top growth. Of course, if you have tiny seeds you may "broadcast" (mix with sand and spread) them into a flat. When broadcasted seed has four true leaves you may prick them out and transplant them to the celled trays or two inch pots.

                            Read All Instructions

        Remember, read and follow planting instructions on the seed packet, or refer back to this page for a refresher course. All seeds are not alike. What you do to plant peppers is out the window when planting papayas, and each seed needs a specific environment in which to grow.

                                          Papayas

        Papayas should be planted in trays with 2" cells or in 2" pots. Some say that papaya seed should be soaked overnight in clean water. We simply plant them in 2" celled trays. When they are about 6" high and root bound to each cell, we put them in one gallon pots. This is a delicate procedure as papayas have one major tap root and few feeder roots. If the tap root is damaged during the transplanting process, the plant may die. Again, do not be tempted to overwater. Papayas need constant hydration, but they will rot if overwatered. Touchy. Get to know your plant. Pay attention to how  it reacts in the early growth stage. Better a little dry than watered to mush.

                                         Fertilizing

           Fertilizing is a controversial topic. All we can do is offer advice on what has worked best for us. When plants are small it is  best to use weak solutions of water soluable fertilizer. Miracle Grow is ideal. Go easy, or you may burn delicate roots. When the plant is between 3" to 6" increase the amount of fertilizer according to package directions. If you wish, you may add 1/2 teaspoon of timed release fertilizer by time your plants are . Again, read instructions carefully. When the tree has been transplanted to it's permanent location, we use granular 10-10-10 to encourage blossoms. A good surface watering of water soluable fertilizer once each week is also recommended.. You must determine what kind of soil you're dealing with and make adjustments as needed.

                                      Transplanting

         Make sure the tree is root bound within it's container. If it isn't, you run the risk of knocking soil away from that tap root we were talking about. Dig a hole about five inches wider than the root "ball", wider if you need to beef up the soil with a medium weight potting soil. Gently lower away until the tree stock is at ground level. Begin stuffing handfuls of soil around the root ball until the tree is firmly in place. Build a moat of soil in a circle approximately six or so inches from the outer edge of the hole. Pack  firmly until it is about six inches high. Now begin to add water up to the rim of the moat. Do this three times. You're done! Fill that ring with water over the next four or five days, then break down your moat. Water as conditions warrant from there on. Papayas may, after transplanting, set fruit in as little as six months. Some begin fruiting within nine months.