Mountain Papaya (Carica pubescens) | seeds, 10 pcs.

• Latin name: Carica pubescens
• Danish names: Bjergpapaya
• English names: Mountain papaya, highland papaya, Mountain pawpaw, papayuelo, chamburo

Carica pubescens is an exciting relative of the papaya from the Andes mountains in South America, where it grows in higher and cooler areas than the common papaya. The species is closely related to the common Carica papaya but differs in its better tolerance for cooler temperatures and its more compact growth habit.

The plant develops a slender stem with large, hand-shaped leaves and a distinctly tropical appearance. The fruits are smaller than those of the common papaya but have an aromatic and fresh flavor with tropical notes.

Compared to the classic Carica papaya, Carica pubescens is generally better suited for subtropical conditions and can handle lower temperatures. If you are interested in papaya plants, you can also check out our other species and varieties like Carica papaya “Dwarf” and other papaya seeds in our assortment.

Cultivation and requirements

Carica pubescens thrives best in full sun to light partial shade and prefers:

• nutrient-rich and well-draining soil
• even moisture during the growing season
• warm, but not extremely hot conditions

A well-draining tropical potting soil with high organic content is ideal. During the growing season, you can supplement with a mild, organic fertilizer to support healthy growth and leaf development.

The species is not frost-tolerant but generally tolerates cooler conditions better than the common papaya. In Denmark, it is best grown as a potted plant that can be kept outdoors during the summer and overwintered in a bright, frost-free location.

The plant grows quickly under good conditions and does not like long periods of cold or wet soil.

Cultivation from seeds

Seeds of Carica pubescens germinate best under warm and stable conditions. For best results, we recommend:

• soaking in lukewarm water for 12–24 hours
• sowing in a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil mix
• a temperature of 22–28 °C
• keeping the soil evenly moist, but not wet

Germination typically occurs within 2–6 weeks. The young plants grow relatively quickly and develop their large, characteristic leaves early on.

Utility and collector value

Carica pubescens is grown as a fruit, ornamental, and collector plant. It is especially the combination of tropical appearance and better tolerance for cooler temperatures that makes this species interesting for growers outside the tropics.

For enthusiasts of exotic fruit trees, it is an exciting alternative to the common papaya and an obvious supplement to other species in the papaya genus.

Carica pubescens is an obvious choice for the plant enthusiast who wants to grow a different and exotic papaya species right from seed – a tropical plant with beautiful leaves, exciting fruits, and high collector value.