Papaya (Carica papaya) - Seeds
€2,60
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Papaya (Carica papaya) - Seeds
€2,60
Pickup available at Bei der Kirche 3
Usually ready in 24 hours
The papaya, botanically *Carica papaya*, is one of the most fascinating and fastest-growing tropical crops of all. It is prized especially for its gigantic, deeply lobed leaves and palm-like growth, which instantly bring a genuine jungle flair to the patio or a heated conservatory. Even if cultivation in our latitudes presents a certain challenge, the melon tree is an absolute highlight for any lover of exotic rarities.
Scope of delivery: 10 seeds each
Overview of sowing tips:
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Pre-treatment: Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for about 24 hours before sowing to facilitate germination.
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Pre-cultivation: Indoor sowing is possible all year round, but starting in early spring is ideal to take advantage of the natural light.
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Sowing depth: Place seeds about 1 cm deep in loose, sterile sowing substrate.
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Germination temperature: A very warm spot is essential; constant soil heat of about 25 to 28 degrees Celsius is ideal.
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Germination period: Under optimal conditions, the seeds usually germinate reliably within 2 to 4 weeks.
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Moisture & seedlings: Keep the substrate slightly moist at all times, but under no circumstances should it be soggy. Young seedlings strictly require high humidity (e.g., using a small greenhouse). After germination, they must be cautiously and slowly accustomed to drier air; otherwise, they will dry out quickly.
Growth habit, location, and care:
Strictly speaking, the papaya does not grow as a true tree, but as a tree-like herbaceous plant with an unbranched, soft, and hollow trunk. At its top, an impressive crown of giant leaves forms. For healthy and rapid growth, the plant requires a fully sunny, wind-protected, and extremely warm location. The substrate should be very rich, while paying meticulous attention to excellent drainage by adding plenty of perlite or pumice. Papayas have an enormous thirst but react extremely quickly to waterlogging and cold feet with irreversible root rot.
Since *Carica papaya* is absolutely cold-sensitive, it must be brought indoors as soon as night temperatures consistently fall below 12 degrees. Overwintering is demanding and only succeeds in a very bright and warm spot, ideally in a heated conservatory or a spacious living area.
Fruit and taste:
When the papaya reaches the flowering and fruiting stage under ideal, warm conditions, it is a special experience. Beneath the initially green, later yellowish-orange peel lies butter-soft, salmon to intensely orange-colored flesh. In terms of taste, the papaya is wonderfully mild, extremely juicy, and pleasantly sweet, with an aroma that combines fine nuances of honeydew melon and apricot. The soft flesh of ripe fruit is best eaten fresh with a spoon, often refined with just a small splash of lime juice, which perfectly highlights the fruity sweetness. The numerous black, caviar-like seeds inside the fruit are usually not eaten directly, but they can be dried and, due to their sharp aroma, used excellently as a peppery spice.
History and origin:
The origin of the papaya lies in the tropical lowlands of South and Central America, particularly in southern Mexico and Costa Rica. Long before the arrival of Europeans, it was cultivated by indigenous peoples such as the Maya and highly valued for its nutritious fruits as well as its digestive enzymes (such as papain). In the 16th century, Spanish and Portuguese explorers discovered the plant and brought it to the Philippines and India. From there, the melon tree began its global success and is now grown in almost all tropical and subtropical regions of the world.