Latin name - Carica papaya

'TR Hovey' is a dwarf papaya variety developed for hydroponic cultivation. We like the low-fruiting nature, making it easy for kids to pick their own fruits. 'TR Hovey' papayas are prolific and fruits are large - up to 4 lbs each.

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Papaya trees are… actually not even trees! Papaya plants, like bananas, are herbaceous fruiting plants. This lends to their quick growth, often fruiting with 1 year of planting. They are supremely easy to grow, provide excellent shade, have a small footprint, and can become perennial in year-round tropical climates.

Papayas are commonly divided into 2 types: red and orange flesh varieties vs. yellow flesh varieties. Papaya can also be eaten green in salads or used as meat tenderizer due to its papain content.

First cultivated in Mesoamerica, papaya is now considered native to South Florida and was likely introduced prior to 300 AD. Papaya is now one of the most ubiquitous tropical fruits, with nearly 14 million tons produced globally and the US being the most largest importer worldwide. India produces 38% of all papayas.

Papaya “trees” typically grow upright with a single stem, but can branch a bit with pruning. They are famously good at continuing to bear fruit even after falling over or sustaining major damage.

Papaya fruits pack a powerhouse of nutrients throughout the entire plant: leaves can be juiced for health issues such as low blood platelets; seeds can be consumed as anti-parasitic; edible skin and pulp teem with polyphenols, carotenoids, and other phytochemicals lending to human health. 

Papayas from the store are mostly not worth eating as they are picked early in order to make it to market. Feedback from folks eating a home-grown papaya for the first time proves to us over and over that backyard papayas are the best and only papayas we recommend consuming. Eat raw green papaya in salads or as pickles; eat ripe fruits in smoothies or out of hand. We love fresh papaya chunks with lime juice and a little salt.

Grown reliably from seed or can be air-layered for assured fruiting results. Fruits mature 6-8 weeks after flowering.

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Size - Up to 30’ tall, but can be maintained at any height

Noteable Characteristics - not a true fruit tree, but an herbaceous plant. Not wind-tolerant except dwarf varieties.

Sunlight requirements - Full sun for sweetest fruits

Cold hardy temp - Dies in freezing temps

Harvest Season - Nearly year-round with peak in fall-following summer