4/24/2020 What Kind of Fertilizer for Papaya?

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What Kind of Fertilizer for Papaya?
Written by Joshua Duvauchelle; Updated December 17, 2018
The papaya tree (Carica papaya) is single-column,
stately tree that adds interest to a backyard, to
say nothing of its juicy, tropical fruit that's
naturally rich in vitamin C. Papayas grow in U.S.
Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones
9b through 11. While relatively low-maintenance,
papaya trees require proper fertilizer applications
to ensure fast growth and optimal development of
the fruit. sommail/iStock/GettyImages

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Treble Superphosphate

Newly planted papaya trees need phosphorous for proper root establishment and growth.
When planting your papaya tree, add 1 pound of treble superphosphate to the planting hole.

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First, use a spade to dig a hole that's approximately 3 feet wide and 8 inches deep. Then, pour
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the superphosphate into the bottom of the hole before planting the papaya tree.
Compost

Compost serves several purposes. It directly feeds the papaya tree with important nutrients,
including nitrogen. It also helps improve drainage and creates the moist, rich soil conditions
that papaya trees prefer. At the time of planting, add 2 pounds of compost to the bottom of
the planting hole before planting your papaya tree.

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Mulch

Mulch, specifically an organic mulch instead of an inorganic mulch, like black plastic, plays a
crucial role in papaya growth. Mulch fertilizes the papaya's roots as it decomposes while also
conserving soil moisture and keeping weeds from growing. It also helps repel nematodes,
which are a relatively common problem for papaya trees. For the best results, apply a 6-inch
layer of mulch around the base of the papaya tree, using shredded leaves or shredded bark.
14-14-14 Fertilizer

Regular fertilizer applications with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer helps support proper
papaya tree growth and fruit development. For the best results, use a 14-14-14 product
starting in the third month after planting. Use 4 ounces of 14-14-14 per papaya tree, once
every four weeks. Then, in the six month after planting, increase this to 6 ounces of 14-14-14,
every five weeks. Always water your papaya tree immediately after applying fertilizer, as this
helps to carry the nutrients down to the papaya tree's roots and minimizes the risk of nitrogen
burns.

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References (6)
Los Angeles Times: Growing Papaya
University of Hawaii Extension: Papayas for the Home Landscape
Purdue Univeristy Extension: Papaya

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West Virginia University Extension: Are Mulches a Good Idea?

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University of Hawaii Extension: Papaya General Information
University of Florida IFAS Extension: Papaya Growing in the Florida Landscape

About the Author

Joshua Duvauchelle is a certified personal trainer and health journalist,
relationships expert and gardening specialist. His articles and advice have
appeared in dozens of magazines, including exercise workouts in Shape,
relationship guides for Alive and lifestyle tips for Lifehacker. In his spare time, he enjoys
yoga and urban patio gardening.

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