Papaya trees should be planted in full sun for best growth and fruit production

Tag : papaya
Nurseries offer papaya plants, and the first step is to choose ahealthy tree. Papaya trees are grown in 1- to 3-gallon containersand trees stand 6 inches or more.
Large trees in smaller containers should be avoided as the rootsystem may be "root bound." This means all the available space inthe container has been filled with roots to the point that the taproot is growing along the edge of the container in a circularfashion. Root bound root systems may not grow properly once plantedin the ground.
Inspect the tree for insect pests and diseases, and inspect thetrunk of the tree for wounds and constrictions. Select a healthytree and water it regularly in preparation for planting.
Site selection
Papaya trees should be planted in full sun for best growth andfruit production. Select a part of the landscape away from othertrees, buildings and structures.
Select the warmest area of the landscape that does not remain wetfor long after a typical summer rainfall.
Planting in sandy soil
Many areas in Palm Beach County have sandy soil. Dig a hole threeto four times the diameter and three times as deep as the containerthe papaya tree came in. However, never plant a tree deeper than itwas in the container. Making a large hole loosens the soil aroundthe root ball, which makes it easy for the roots to expand into theadjacent soil.
It is not necessary to apply fertilizer, topsoil or compost to thehole. In fact, placing topsoil or compost in the hole might be ofno benefit at all. If you wish to add topsoil or compost to thenative soil, mix it with the excavated soil in no more than a 50-50ratio.
Fill the hole with some of the excavated soil and the soil from thepot the tree came in. Place the tree in the hole so that the top ofthe soil from the container is level with the surrounding ground.Fill soil in around the tree roots and tamp slightly to remove airpockets.
Immediately water the soil around the tree and tree roots. Stakingthe tree with a wooden or bamboo stake is optional. However, do notuse wire or nylon rope to tie the tree to the stake because theymay damage the tree trunk as it grows. Use a cotton or naturalfiber string that will degrade.
Planting in rocky soil
Dig a hole three to four times the diameter and three times as deepas the container the tree came in. Remove all the rocks you come incontact with while digging and plant the tree as described in theprevious section.
Papaya trees can be planted at any time of year, but now is a greattime because summer rains will reduce your need to water the treetill the late fall. For more information, please call the MasterGardener Hot line at 233-1750.
Keith Patton is coordinator of the Florida Yards and Neighborhoodsprogram at the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service.Portions of this column may have been produced by his colleagues atthe University of Florida Institute of Food and AgriculturalSciences.