Need help choosing containers for red maradol papaya

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Hi friends,

I am planning to start red maradol papaya from seeds(thanks Cathy!). I saw these 2 containers in costco. Could somebody suggest me which one is better?

BTW, we live in southern California (Torrance, CA). I am planning to start the seed in a small container in my sunroom and this move it to a big pot and leaving it inside for few months.. It would also be good if you can suggest me a good potting soil(I normally use supersoil fetm homedepot & miracle grow perlite, Organic fertilizer, watering interval etc..

Thanks,

Vidyaa

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Comments (3)

greenman62
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
i would go with the second one. its wider. most papaya roots will go out, not down.... unless... you plan on watering from the bottom, then they will grow down and not out, so i would get the deeper one in that case.

use a fast draining soil. maybe cactus soil. or, make you own with sand and compost. papaya seem to like builders sand. its coarse and drains well. pine bark fines work well also,, if you can find them with small particles, not big chunks.

compost / sand / potting soil (or bark fines) (30/30/30) works well, with a bit of perlite and manure.

i dont know the sizes as they relate to gallons ? but... you will need something pretty large for a mature plant. at least 10 gallons minimum. 15-20 is probably more realistic.... papaya will stunt themselves if you keep them in a small container

they love sun. lots of sun and warmth. if the soil is fast-draining, and its hot and they get lots of sun, then, they need lots of water.... water is very dependent on how fast the soil dries out... i always do a finger test an inch deep.... and use wood chips, or something as a mulch on top, even in a container.

they like a lot of fertilizer. organics are best. compost, crab meal, fish, chicken poo, cow manure all work well ( i dilute my urine 1/10 or 1/15 and water them twice a month with it -works great) they are fast growers if you give them the nitrogen. urine is high in N. and also has minerals, micro-nutes.
vidnand
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks greenman62 for the response. I still have few doubts.

1. Looks like the super soil has all three compost, small wood chips and soil.. Should i add little perlite and go with it?

2. Can I use Dr. earth organic fertilizer for fruit trees? After seed sprouts when should i start fertilizing (super soil comes with added fertilizer and the bag says - will feed up to 90- days and so do miracle grow perlite)..

Thanks,

Vidyaa
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Need help choosing containers for red maradol papaya

Comments (3)

greenman62

vidnand
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Need help choosing containers for red maradol papaya

Comments (3)

greenman62

vidnandOriginal Author

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Jay Part Shade (Zone 10B, S21, Los Angeles)

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vidnand
Original Author