Red Lady Papaya Dwarf Tree

The Red Lady Papaya (Carica papaya) is a premium dwarf hybrid that produces sweet, juicy fruit often weighing 3 to 5 pounds, making it a compact, high-yielding choice for gardens and containers. It is self-fertile, virus-resistant, and grown in the subtropical climate of Homestead, Florida.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Carica papaya (Red Lady hybrid)
• Pollination: Self-fertile and self-pollinating
• Light: Full sun
• Water: Regular; well-drained soil
• Fruit: Often 3 to 5 pounds; about 2 pounds for container plants
• Disease resistance: Highly resistant to papaya ring spot virus
• Type: Edible dwarf fruit tree

Best for

• Container growing and small spaces
• Cooler regions where plants can move indoors in winter
• Gardeners wanting a single self-fertile tree
• Year-round, continuous harvests
• Fresh eating and a nutritious diet

How to grow

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil and water regularly, especially during the growing season. Feed with a balanced fertilizer to encourage vigorous growth, and in colder areas grow in a container so it can be moved indoors to protect from frost.

Flavor profile

Red Lady papayas are sweet and juicy, rich in vitamins A and C, and contain the enzyme papain, which supports protein digestion.

About Everglades Farm

Everglades Farm nurtures its Red Lady Papaya trees in Homestead, Florida, sending out healthy, vibrant plants ready to thrive in your garden.