How to grow papaya from seed at home: planting and care features
If lemons and tangerines have long been turned into indoor plants, then other exotic fruits are planted so far. And it is completely in vain, because they feel completely comfortable in a warm room. For example, knowing how to grow papaya from seed at home can yield delicious sweet fruits for fruit salads. In addition, this culture is also very decorative. A tall, thick trunk with a lush rosette of rich green leaves at the top will turn your home into a real tropical jungle. In terms of its "build" papaya is similar to a palm tree, because it has no side shoots.
Papaya is also called a melon tree, although in fact it is a herb, and not even a perennial. In nature, it can reach 8 m, but as a pot culture it is an average of 3 m. Although if you try, the giant grass grows out and all 6 m in height. And she lives only about 5 years, but it is distinguished by extremely rapid development. With proper care, it will be possible to taste the first harvest in six months.
How to grow papaya from seed at home
Soaking seeds overnight in a growth promoter will help increase germination. You can just soak them wet moss or sand, but under the film.
It is best to plant seeds in early spring when daylight hours begin to increase. This will eliminate the need to supplement the illumination of seedlings, which will begin to stretch out from lack of light. Sowing can be done both in separate cups and in a common container, leaving at least 2 cm between the seeds. It is optimal to use soil mixture for ficuses - it is nutritious and light. Seeds should germinate under the film.
Features of caring for papaya seedlings
Before the emergence of seedlings, the crops must be aired daily and the soil must be sprayed on time so that it does not dry out. Caring for papaya is not difficult, but keep in mind that the plant is fast growing and requires a lot of light. During the first year of life, 3-4 transplants are needed, because seedlings grow very quickly. In addition, you need to provide the plant with moisture and nutrition:
- Water at least 2 times a week.
- Spray frequently.
- Every 2 weeks, feed with mineral complexes, alternating with organic.
After 6 months, indoor papaya can bloom. But the fruits will be only if a hybrid self-fertile variety is caught.