Papaya Plants in Winter?

[bradflorida]

My Red Lady papaya plants were thriving through this past summer and fall.  Many large leaves.  Lots of sweet fruit.  This was their first year of production.

During the past 2-3 months, the number of leaves on the plants has decreased, and only a small amount of small leaves remain, at the top of the plants.  Fruit ripening and production has slowed substantially, and the few ripe fruit we get are mostly bland.

Is this just typical winter performance?  Or have these plants just passed their prime?

Brad

[bsbullie]

Yes, typical with winter conditions.   Fruit will not be as red in color,  flavorful or sweet as the summer fruit.

[bradflorida]

Thanks Rob!

[greenman62]

how i wish this was the worst my plants had to endure.
its a fight just to keep them alive every year.
they always loose all the fruit and leaves
and usually the top part of the plant.

i have one now that has a 6 inch base
and everything above 2ft died.
it looks like it will return though
that will be an interesting look

one thing ive learned is to keep the soil as healthy as possible
the mychorizal fungi play a big role in getting nutrients to the plant
and keeping the defenses up in winter.
2 or 3 applications of worm tea in the fall and again in spring seems to help.
plus lots of organics and mulch

[FruitFreak]

My red ladies look a little rough in the winter.  I mulch heavy and grow sweet potatoes around the bases.