Planting
Papaya is planted during spring
(February-March), monsoon (June-July) and autumn (October-November). Papaya is commercially propagated by seed and
tissue culture plants. The seed rate is 250-300 g./ha. The seedlings can be
raised in nursery beds 3m. long, 1m. wide and 10 cm. high as well as in pots or
polythene bags. The seeds after being treated with 0.1% Monosan (phenyl
mercuric acetate), ceresan etc. are sown 1 cm. deep in rows 10 cm. apart and
covered with fine compost or leaf mould. Light irrigation is provided during
the morning hours. The nursery beds are covered with polythene sheets or dry
paddy straw to protect the seedlings. About 15-20 cm. tall seedlings are chosen
for planting in about two months. A spacing of 1.8 x 1.8 m. is normally
followed. However higher density cultivation with spacing of 1.5 x
1.5 m./ha enhances the returns to the farmer and is recommended.