Papaya's Large, fleshy, melon-like fruits grow to weigh up to 9 Pounds each hang in clusters attached to the trunk top just under the leaf canopy. Papaya typically grows to 12' tall (container plants to 10' tall) and is most noted for its edible melon-like fruit. The papaya fruit is slightly sweet, with an agreeable musky tang, which is more pronounced in some varieties and in some climates than in others. It is a popular breakfast fruit in many countries and is also used in salads, pies, sherbets, juices, and confections. The unripe fruit can be cooked like squash. The possible health benefits of consuming papaya include a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, aiding in digestion, improving blood glucose control in people with diabetes, lowering blood pressure, and improving wound healing. This plant is intolerant of frost. It is best grown in tropical or semi-tropical climates in rich humus, consistently moist but well-drained organic loams in full sun. Best fruit develops in full sun. Plants tolerate light shade if grown ornamentally indoors instead of for fruit. Papayas offer not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium, copper, and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer. In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. This papaya hybrid will produce fruits that can up to 9lbs each. Zones 9-12 In areas with cooler winters, simply bring them indoors as they are Great Houseplants when given enough light. Papaya Germination: 1) Mix about 3 1/2 ounces of calcium nitrate in 1 quart of water. Calcium nitrate is available in most garden centers as a fertilizer. This solution helps to decrease germination time, while increasing the total percentage of seeds that successfully germinate. Soak the papaya seeds in the calcium nitrate solution for about 30 minutes. 2) Soak the seeds in hot water at 158 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds; then soak them in distilled water at room temperature for 24 hours to increase the germination rate. 3) Use a well mixed and well draining seed starting soil. Do not start seeds in seedling trays because papayas transplant poorly; 1-gallon containers ensure the plant requires transplanting only once from the container to the ground. 4) To ensure successful germination for Papaya seeds, use a heated propagator mat to keep the soil between 80-85 degrees F., and place the containers in a sunny location, or use a grow light. 5) Evenly space two to four seeds in each container and cover the seeds with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of potting mix. 6) Keep the soil moist without overwatering. 7) Papaya seeds can germinate in about 2 to 5 weeks with the calcium nitrate treatment. Following these instructions will increase germination rate and speed.