Carica papaya (Papaya tree) This great south American fruit tree has been a big hit for southern and northern gardeners. Plants grow extremely fast even far north in summer months. Here in Kentucky I have been able to grow an 8 inch tall plant to 12 feet tall in a single season. I have also been able to produce fruit in that single season. Plants grow largest in the ground but can also be grown in large containers or as a center piece plant. The foliage on the papaya are large dissected leaves, 1 to 2 feet wide and long. As the plant matures the green trunk will become more gray in color and much harder. Once mature, plants resemble  a Palm tree structure with large trunk and leaves on top. Plants can be taken indoors for winter and brought back out the following season if given a warm sunny window. Or treat as an annual and start over next season.

Plants are sold in 4 inch pots and are around 1 foot tall.