Oak papaya is an extremely interesting and hardy species of papaya originating from the mountainous regions of the Andes (Bolivia, Ecuador). It is a fast-growing, smaller semi-deciduous tree that attracts attention primarily with its decorative leaves resembling oak and its surprising resistance to cold and drier air.
The plant is dioecious - a male and a female individual are needed to produce fruit. It blooms relatively early and, when pollinated, produces smaller, elongated orange fruits of about 3–4 cm in size. The flesh is juicy, sweet and tastes like an apricot. The fruits are suitable for direct consumption and processing (juices, jams).
A great advantage of this species is its unpretentiousness. It grows well in a container, where it usually grows to about 1–1.5 m. It is one of the most hardy papayas of all, with very good tolerance to low temperatures. Fruiting begins at approximately 2–3 years of age. The plants can be kept compact and, with proper care, will bear fruit regularly every year.
Unlike the classic papaya (Carica papaya), which, if you keep it over winter, will grow to the ceiling the second year and cultivation becomes unmanageable, this oak papaya is completely problem-free. It can be kept at a reasonable size for a long time, responds well to pruning and is really easy to grow.
This is a very hardy species that "can withstand almost anything" and the harvest is practically guaranteed with the right combination of male and female plants. We recommend purchasing more pieces for pollination.
You can also take advantage of our 2 + 1 free promotion and ensure a higher chance of successful pollination and a rich harvest.
Oak papaya is the ideal choice for anyone who is serious about growing exotic fruit, but does not want to deal with the complex conditions and failures of regular papaya.
THE SIZE OF THE PLANTS SOLD WITH A POT IS 10 TO 15 CM LAST PICTURE
PRICE 13€
Carica quercifolia Growing Instructions
Substrate:
Preferably acidic and well-drained.
Recommended mixture: 2 parts peat, 1 part perlite, a little sand.
Watering:
Keep the substrate slightly moist.
Reduce watering in winter, pour out excess water from the tray after watering.
Growing location:
Home all year round: As close to a window as possible, with plenty of light.
Summering is possible outside on a terrace, garden, or balcony, only from spring to autumn: Partial shade.
Wintering:
subtropical plant - cannot tolerate temperatures below 0 °C for a long time. Winter at a minimum temperature of 1C or more
Place in the living room, bedroom, hallway, winter garden or greenhouse for the winter, always as close to a window as possible.
Fertilization:
Common water-soluble or granulated fertilizers.
Suitable fertilizer: OSMOCOTE long-term granular fertilizer