Papaya

Papaya is one of the most delicious fruits that can be grown in the Houston area, however they are not hardy except in the warmest parts of our urban and coastal areas, and will have to be well protected in the winter to make it to the next year. There are many examples in Houston of papaya wintering over year after year and producing excellent fruit each year. Papaya will produce a full tree of fruit the first year.

Care of Papaya Trees

Care: Keep in pot until late March or early April, and bring in if there is going to be a frost or freeze. Then the tree can be planted in the ground in a sunny location.

Cold Tolerance: Before the first frost of winter, this tree should be well protected. If it has become too tall to protect, cut it to 4’, put a can over the cut to protect from cold and water, and cover the tree. You could build a small structure to hold a blanket over the plant, and place a large bucket of water next to the trunk. The next spring will bring growth and more fruit. This is really a small amount of care in winter that will bring large crops of fruit each year.

Harvest: Harvest when the fruit turns yellow.