Possibly root rot set in when we got the big rains pre and during Irma. They do not withstand wet feet at all. Thousands died all over. Plant on a mound next time and it should do well.
yep
and they are surprisingly drought tolerant.
that doesnt mean they do best with little water, it just means they wont die easily in drought.
make a mound as high and wide as possible.
and use LOTS of mulch on top.
when making the hole add lots of organic matter.
they will grow in straight compost. but they need drainage
fish emulsion, chick poo, are excellent ferts. they dont mind it kinda hot.
a lot of woody mulch (plus, leaves, grass clippings etc...) on top keeps moisture in.
i actually use a layer of composted leaves, coffee grounds and grass clippings
THEN a layer of cardboard or newspaper, then a layer of woody mulch.
the worms get a protected area with lots of food and go to town.
worms fertilize and aerate the soil for you.
they work 24/7, dont need a healthcare plan, and never ask for a raise.
If you planted and it was 5 feet tall it may have been a bit too tall. I grew mine from seed and had best luck with transplanting @ about 1 ft. tall. Some grow from seed and let 3 grow together choosing out the males.
I grew these and every plant turned out female or hermaphrodite, not a single one was male.
http://www.shop.alohaseed.com/product.sc?productId=17&categoryId=4
most papaya seed you buy now is %66 hermaphrodite and %33 female
(sometimes 50/50 depending on variety, grower, etc...)
with almost no males.
there is no need to plant 3 per hole anymore.
Even though mine were only 1 ft. tall I buried some with 6" of stem underground and they seem to have no problem with that, becoming much more stout at the base which I hope will be resistant to lodging over.
pineislander
did you grow these out to fruiting size yet ?
i would have thought the extra soil on top would give less oxygen to the roots ?
papaya roots are usually very close to the surface so they can breath.
the soil must be loose and well draining ?