Red Lady Papaya
Carica papaya 'Red Lady'
A compact, fast-growing papaya perfect for home gardens and containers. This dwarf variety produces sweet, vibrant orange-red flesh fruits in just 8-12 months from planting. Known for exceptional disease resistance and ability to fruit in smaller spaces than traditional papayas.
Harvest
240-365d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
10–12
USDA hardiness
Height
20 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Red Lady Papaya in USDA Zone 10
All Zone 10 tropical →Zone Map
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Red Lady Papaya · Zones 10–12
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 10 | — | — | February – April | December – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Height: Height: 6.00 to 20.00 feet. Spread: Spread: 3.00 to 15.00 feet. Sun: Sun: Full sun. Water: Water: Medium. Zones: Zone: 10 to 12. Bloom time: Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer. Maintenance: Maintenance: Medium.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
History & Origin
Family: Family: Caricaceae
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Basil
Repels aphids, whiteflies, and fruit flies that commonly attack papaya
Marigold
Deters nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Lemongrass
Natural pest repellent that deters mosquitoes and flying insects
Banana
Creates beneficial microclimate and shares similar growing conditions
Sweet Potato
Ground cover that retains soil moisture and adds nitrogen
Chives
Repels aphids and other soft-bodied insects while improving soil
Nasturtium
Trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, acts as living mulch
Comfrey
Dynamic accumulator that improves soil nutrition and provides mulch
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to papaya and inhibits growth
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic properties suppress growth of nearby plants including papaya
Fennel
Inhibits growth through allelopathy and competes aggressively for nutrients
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169926)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to papaya ringspot virus
Common Pests
Papaya fruit fly, aphids, spider mites
Diseases
Papaya ringspot virus, black spot, powdery mildew