When to Plant Papaya in Perth, Mediterranean Guide

Not recommended for the Mediterranean zone. The window below explains why.

Also called pawpaw.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Papaya guide is written for the Mediterranean zone, which takes in Perth, Adelaide and Bunbury. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Papaya

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Fast-growing tropical herbaceous plant (not a true tree) that fruits within 10-12 months from seed. In Australia, 'papaya' refers to red/orange-fleshed varieties and 'pawpaw' to yellow-fleshed types. Both are Carica papaya. Strictly tropical/warm subtropical. Frost kills them outright. Extremely productive when conditions are right. A single plant can produce 30-50 fruit per year. Short-lived (3-5 years productive life) but easily replaced from seed.

Best Planting Window for Mediterranean

Papaya is not recommended for Mediterranean.

Not recommended. Perth too cool in winter.

Want a nudge when it is Papaya sowing time in Perth?

One email a week with what is worth planting in the Mediterranean zone right now, Papaya included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.

How to Grow Papaya in Mediterranean Australia

When to Plant

Not recommended. Perth too cool in winter.

Soil
Rich, well-drained soil. Cannot tolerate waterlogging. Raised mounds in heavy soil. Sandy loam with organic matter ideal.
pH Range
5.5-6.5
Sunlight
Full sun, maximum heat. Sheltered from wind (large leaves are easily damaged).

Companion plants: Banana, Sweet potato, Tropical ground covers

Avoid planting near: Waterlogged areas, Windy exposed positions

Mediterranean Growing Tips for Papaya

Key Challenges

  • Winter too cool

Pro Tips

  • Neither Perth nor Adelaide is warm enough for reliable papaya production. Greenhouse only.

Harvesting Papaya

When ready: Skin changes from green to yellow (amount varies by variety). Fruit gives slightly when pressed. Harvest at 1/4 to 1/2 colour change for fruit fly management and ripen indoors.

How to harvest: Twist and pull, or cut stem. Handle carefully. Ripe papaya bruises easily.

Where to next

What papaya costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the mediterranean zone this September: Ginger, Beetroot, Chilli Peppers and Cucumber.

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Common Questions About Papaya

When do you plant papaya in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

What else is papaya called?

Papaya is the usual Australian name. Overseas seed packets and recipes call it pawpaw. Same plant, same growing advice.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Mediterranean zone, Perth is its reference city.