How to grow papaya seeds/ plants in India?

Papaya is a tropical fruit plant that is easy to grow with minimum requirements. This fruit is cooked as a vegetable and it’s eaten raw when matured. It has many medicinal benefits as well as is used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.

Steps to germinate papaya seeds:

1. Take a seedling tray and fill it with coco peat.
2. Make a 0.25 inches deep hole and put 2 seeds in the hole.
3. Fill the hole with coco peat and spray some water.
4. When the seedlings grow 14-21 cm, transplant them in soil or a large-sized container.

Manure:

• Use potting mix if growing in containers.
• If growing in soil mix cow dung/chicken manure, VermiCompost, seaweed fertilizer, and a layer of cocopeat.
• Add kitchen waste like tea compost, banana peel, and vegetable peels.
• Before transplanting make sure to add fertilizer and composts to the soil or in the containers.
• Provide mulch for resisting the weed growth.

Soil type:

• Papaya grows well in light, well-drained, and loamy soil.
• A soil pH of 6.5-7 is required.

Water requirements:

• Water 3-5 times a week in the summer season.
• In the winter season water every 4-5 days.
• On sandy and rock soils water them every day.
• Avoid watering in the leaves.
• Make a proper drainage system. If growing in containers make a hole below.

Seed germination time:

Seeds will germinate in 7-14 days.

Temperature range to grow:  

• The required temperature is between 20-30 degrees C.
• In the winter season keep the plant warm.

Sunlight needed: 

It requires full sunlight for at least 6-8hours.

Time to flower/fruit: 

• It takes 40 weeks or slightly more to grow fully and bear fruits depending upon the weather, sunlight, temperature, seed variety, and water requirements.

Health benefits of papaya:

• Contains Vitamin A, E, and C.
• Reduces the risk of heart diseases.
• Controls the level of cholesterol.
• Papaya contains folic acid and fiber.
• In the time of constipation, it helps to cure it.