Papaya seeds

I have saved the seeds out of my papaya that I harvesed from my own tree. The papaya was so good that I want to start some more trees, do I let the seeds dry out and become hard or can I just plant them in seed pots now? I have them spread out on a paper towel drying. Thanks.

Wash them, to get that sorta jelly stuff off. (Put them in a colander and sorta rub them against the side under water. Or just sit there and squish them, it's kinda like popping bubble wrap.) Then just stick them in dirt. They're tropical, so they'd like for it to be warm and humid.

Have fun!

Thanks, but its turned cold down here in the south so I still have my seeds but I think I'll wait till next spring to try to plant them....my greenhouse is full right now anyway. I hope I can get some to come up in March....if not, I'll be hitting you all up for some plants, so get ready....Thanks

There's a lot of discussion about growing papayas from seed in the tropical garden forum. Even the "experts" don't agree on what is the best method . Lots of good talk from people who have tried many different ways.

katiebear

Thanks, will msoey over to that & check it out...

Did someone say Papaya! That is exactly how I started mine, was saving the seeds from the papaya I bought at the grocery store. I would recommend bottom heat when starting your seeds.
If it helps, I've written Papaya 101 "my experiences in my blog.
http://davesgarden.com/community/blogs/t/rjuddharrison/1993/

Rj

enjoyed readiing your link, rj. we're watching the weather tonight and this week, been doing real good so far, but expection some freeziing temps here in S. La. this wk. will cover the Pa up hope to save it. We had 8 really good ones off it this yr and several left on but won't make it, too late. I just hope I can get more seeds to come up and have more trees for next yr. It was a fun project for this part of the country, surprised a lot of people.

Yes, it's surprising how many don't recognize the tree at all. I have tons of seeds should you fall short. We've done very well weather wise so far...and this being the coldest month, isn't so bad as far as it goes..I do have the green house stuffed full, and the other emergency plant relocation program in effect (house and garage) and some things covered up. Still, we don't hit the low for very long which is the salvation.

I treat the Papayas like anuals..I have two 3 year old trees in the green house ready to go into the spot of those that do not make it. Then I have several 10 inch ones I started last summer and they will be the standby trees a couple years from now. Although, they are a very much desired tree and I end up giving alot of them away. I noticed that if the papaya ripens before winter, they are sweet and delicious, but if they ripen over winter..not so tastey.

Just think..... we are weeks away from the Southern Gulf warm up

lol "Emergency Plant Relocation Program". All this time I've just been "Cramming Them in the Den", your way sounds much better.


I've given away I don't know how many papaya trees, just the little ones (which are just cute as can be). They're attractive house plants, just for the trunk and foliage, even for folks in situations where they won't ever much bear fruit.

Exactly..People really like them. I had a DG plant swap at my house last summer and I had seeded 50 Papayas..they were all gone at the end of the swap