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Papaya Tree 'TR Hovey'

$40.00

Size

Fruit Tree Pot Size Reference Guide

Display general product information or specific product information using metafields.

We sell grafted fruit trees in various sizes, ranging from young 3-gallon plants all the way up to 25-gallon and larger, mature trees.

As a general rule of thumb, here’s what you can expect from each size:

3 gallon: Will take an average of 2-3 years before harvesting your first crop.  Trees are small and may be just a single stem, or just starting to develop their first branches. Typical height is between 2-4 feet.

7 gallon: Will take an average of 1–2 years to produce a crop.  Branching structure has started to develop, and trunks are between ½ to 1 inch thick.  Typical height is between 3-6 feet.

15 gallon: You can usually expect fruit within a year of planting, and some trees are already fruiting at this size.  Branch and canopy structure has taken shape and the tree is starting to grow wider.  Trunks are between 1 to 1-½ inches thick.  Typical height is 5-8 feet.

25 gallon and larger: These are mature trees, and most are ready to produce fruit or have already produced.   They have been pruned and shaped multiple times at this point.  Trunks are about 2” thick or larger.  Typical height is 6-10 ft.

PLEASE NOTE:  These descriptions are generalized - Some species of fruit trees are very quick to produce, and others take longer.  For example, mulberry trees can start fruiting at a very young age, even as small as a 3 gallon. Mango, avocado, or sapodilla trees will take longer.  Each species grows at a different rate and will take varying lengths of time to establish, and even different cultivars can be more precocious (quick to produce) than others.

Order Pick Up/Delivery Info

When you select the “Nursery Pickup” option at checkout, please allow up to 24-48 hours for your order to be prepared for pickup.  Once your order is ready for pickup, we will email you to let you know that it is ready.  Plant orders may be held at the nursery for up to 10 days.  If orders are not picked up within this time frame, a 15% restocking fee will be charged.  If you are unable to pick up your order, please contact us to request a quote for delivery.  

If you prefer to have us deliver your plants, select "Ship" at checkout and choose the "Local Delivery" option.  (This option will not be visible if your order is below the $300 minimum for delivery).  Delivery cost for orders within 20 miles is a flat rate of $50.  If your address is further than 20 miles, we will invoice you for the additional mileage at $3/mile upon fulfilling your order.  Deliveries are typically scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.   Please include your phone number and any delivery instructions in the order notes.

Responsibility of Care

We strive to ensure that our customers have the highest success with our plants.  Each listing shows general guidelines for care and optimal growing conditions, and our 10-step tree planting guide will be included with your order confirmation.  If you need any further advice or have questions specific to your plant, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.  Please note that once you have received your order, you are responsible for the care of your plants.  Be sure to water your plants on a daily basis while they are still in containers, and refer to our planting guide for watering guidelines after planting in the ground.

Return Policy

All sales are final at the time of payment.  Please be sure that you are happy with your order before submitting.  Returns or exchanges will only be made under exceptional circumstances, at our discretion.  Once plants have left the nursery and are no longer in our care, they cannot be returned. 

Inventory Disclaimer

Every day, we take great care to maintain our inventory and make real-time updates as plants come and go.  Because our inventory is constantly changing, and because in-store and online purchases are being made simultaneously, it is possible for a short window to occur when an item is physically sold out, but listed as in-stock on this platform.  This is rare, but in the case that it does happen, we will contact you right away and either refund the item or offer an alternative.  Thank you for your understanding!

Additionally, we add new plants to the nursery on a weekly, sometimes daily basis.  Check back often to see what’s in stock, and click the “Notify me when this item is available” button to get updates when your wish-list items are restocked!

 

Description

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

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