Red Lady Papaya

The Red Lady papaya is a large variety like the Maradol or Tainung. This is a dwarf self-pollinated variety that is also grown in containers or grow bags. It is excellent for colder regions. The weight of each fruit can be between 1.5 kg to 2.5 kg. Papaya is most loved as it is a part of a healthy diet, this is one of the healthy fruits you must add to your kitchen garden. Papayas contain high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. You can easily grow papaya in your home garden.

What size grow bag is best for Papaya?
18 x 18 (W*H)
24 x 24 (W*H)

Planting and Care for Red Lady Papaya

Sowing Red Lady Papaya Seeds
• To increase the germination rate, soak the seeds in hot water at 158 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds before soaking them in distilled water at room temperature for 24 hours.
• After sowing the seeds in the soil, the young seedlings should be transplanted to grow bags after 6 to 8 weeks.
• To avoid the possibility of transplanting, sow the seeds directly in the soil, about 12 inches beneath the surface and 2 inches apart.
• Crop germination takes between 12 and 16 days.
• The papaya seeds should not be stored for a prolonged period because they lose viability quickly.

Growing Red Lady Papaya
• The papaya plant can grow straight up to 33 feet tall. The papaya plant is usually unbranched, but it can branch if the apex of the stem is damaged.
• Older papaya plants need less water than younger ones. 
• Make certain that the soil does not dry out so that it is not overwatered.
• Regular fertilizer applications with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer aid in the proper growth and production of papaya trees. 
• Using a bio-fertilizer product beginning in the third month after planting for the best results.
• Water your papaya tree immediately after applying fertilizer to help bring the nutrients down to the roots and reduce the chance of nitrogen burns.

Harvesting Red Lady Papaya
• When the colour of the red lady papaya fruit shifts by 1/3 out of 1/5, it's time to select it. 
• When red lady papayas are fully immature, they are dark green and when the green colour changes to yellow, it is time to select the fruit.
• When the skin of the red lady papaya is 80 percent coloured, the fruit flavour is highest and the papayas do not increase in sweetness after picking up the fruit.
• When papaya plants are young, the fruits can be picked by hand while standing on the ground. 
• At the same time, as the plants grow taller, harvesting aids such as ladders become essential.
• Harvesting will take place 6 to 9 months after germination in warm regions and up to 11 months in cooler regions.

Precautions while Growing Red Lady Papaya
• The pH of the soil used for red lady papaya cultivation should be between 5.5 and 7.5. 
• To prevent root rot, the planting area should have good drainage.
• For the best production results, apply a 6-inch layer of mulch around the base of the papaya plant, using shredded leaves or shredded bark. 
• Mulch fertilizes the roots of the papaya as it decomposes, while also conserving soil moisture and preventing weed growth.

Common Problems affecting Red Lady Papaya Plants and Solutions
• Red lady Papaya necessitates high humidity and temperature because it is a tropical crop. It is extremely sensitive to frost and heavy rains can harm it. 
• Papaya plants cannot endure strong winds due to their shallow roots.
• The Red lady papaya plant cannot thrive in shallow soils or those that do not drain well.
• At the seedling stage, collar rot is a serious concern, and at the flowering stage, mosaic, leaf curl and mites can be devastating. 
• Nematodes are a common problem for papaya plants and mulching will help repel them.
• The red lady papaya tree has a three-year lifespan. 
• It will continue to bear fruit after that, but the yield will be low and the quality will be compromised.