Experience papaya culture by cutting and grafting
Papaya is an exotic fruit that is delicious and rich in nutrients, appreciated for its sweet flavor and juicy texture. If you want to grow papayas at home, you can experiment with cutting and grafting techniques to increase your success.
The cutting of the papaya
Papaya cutting is a method of vegetative propagation that allows the production of new plants from stem pieces or young shoots taken from a mature plant. Here are the steps to do a papaya:
- Choose healthy, vigorous stems from your papaya plant.
- Cut the stems into segments about 15-20 cm long.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom of the segments to facilitate rooting.
- Plant the segments in a light and well drained substrate.
- Keep the substrate moist and place the cuttings in a bright place but in direct sunlight.
- After a few weeks, cuttings should start producing roots.
The grafting of the papaya
Plugging is a more advanced technique that combines a variety of papayas with a stronger or stronger rootstock. Here is how to make the papaya graft:
- Choose a well established rootstock and a variety of papayas you want to transplant.
- Make a bevel cut on the root holder and the variety to be grafted.
- Assemble both sides by ensuring that the cambiums (internal parts) are aligned.
- Attach both parts together with graft tape.
- Protect the transplant with mastic to avoid infection.
- Place the grafted plant under conditions favourable to healing.
The grafting of papaya can produce better quality fruit, more production or increased resistance to disease.
Tips for success in papaya culture
- Choose a sunny and sheltered location to plant your papayars.
- Make sure the soil is well drained and rich in organic matter.
- Water regularly but avoid excess water to prevent root rot.
- Fertilize your papaya plants with balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Monitor signs of disease or pests and act quickly if necessary.
By experimenting with the cutting and grafting of papaya, you can discover effective methods of cultivating this delicious fruit in your home and possibly get top quality papayas.