Dole Superkids
Papayas
Growing & Harvesting
Papaya plants grow year-round in tropical regions around the world, where the nights are cool and the days are warm.

Papaya plants start from seeds that have been planted in a nursery. Here, the seeds grow for two months before being transplanted to the field.

In the field, papaya plants need nutrients and water for growth. They grow best in soil that drains well.

As the plant grows, fruit forms along the stem in columns spiraling up the tree. The leaves are large and help shade the fruit from sun and protect it from the wind.

Papaya plants grow tall, quickly. In just 10 to 12 months, they can grow 6 to 10 feet tall. When the plants reach this height, the fruit is ready for first harvest.

The initial harvest is done by hand when the plants are about 6 feet tall. Workers turn the fruit and snap it from the stem. Papaya is then gently placed in baskets worn by workers around their shoulders.

Papaya trees can grow up to 30 feet tall. Most only reach 20 feet and grow fruit for 2 years because as they grow taller, the fruit grows smaller. Also, with taller trees, harvesting fruit is more difficult.

Papaya fruit is harvested 12 months after planting seeds. In Hawaii, it is harvested 6 days of the week, almost every week of the year.


Papaya plants grow tall, quickly. In just 10 to 12 months, they can grow 6 to 10 feet tall. When the plants reach this height, the fruit is ready for first harvest.

The initial harvest is done by hand when the plants are about 6 feet tall. Workers turn the fruit and snap it from the stem. Papaya is then gently placed in baskets worn by workers around their shoulders.