Tender Tree
£2.39
Unusual tree-like, tropical foliage
Enormous textured leaves
Fantastic in a conservatory or for exotic summer patio displays
1 Packet (15 Seeds)
Despatch Within 24 Hours
£2.39
In Stock
Height Up to 4m (13ft)
Spread Up to 4m (13ft)
Tender Tree
patiogreenhouseconservatoryexotic garden
full sun
Hellebore 'Winter Flowering Hybrid Mix Improved' - Seeds
was £4.99Just£1.99
Grown in tropical regions for its large, fleshy orange fruits, Carica papaya, also known as Pawpaw, is valued as a stunning and unusual foliage specimen when grown in the UK, its tree-like proportions and enormous, textured leaves introducing a Jurassic-jungle vibe into patio displays!
This fast-growing tree forms a single upright stem with massive, deeply-lobed leaves arranged in a spiral pattern on long, slender stalks. The huge leaves measure up to 50-70cm in diameter, forming an impressive, umbrella-like crown on the top of the trunk. As leaves fall, the trunk becomes pattered with striking leaf scars. Carica papaya makes a fast-growing tree-like specimen that can be grown in large containers in a conservatory or warm greenhouse over winter where it will remain evergreen. Bring out plants onto the patio during the summer months and use it as a fantastic focal plant for tropical bedding displays.
Plants reach fruiting maturity within three years but achieving successful pollination can be a challenge as plants require plenty of sun and warmth. However, their exceptional ornamental appeal makes the effort well worth it. Plants may flower at any time of the year, the trumpet-shaped, creamy-white sweetly-scented flowers are carried directly off the trunk and open at night. If successfully pollinated, the flowers develop into huge cylindrical, golden-yellow fruits that ripen to dark orange. Inside the fleshy fruits are numerous black seeds.
Ultimate height and spread: 2.5-4m (8.2-13ft).
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1 Packet (15 Seeds) (32480)
Sow the seeds indoors from March to May after soaking in warm water for 24 hours. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost in small modules, just covering the seed lightly with a sprinkling of soil or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at a temperature of 21-24°C. Seeds will germinate in 3-8 weeks. Germination can be erratic. Avoid overwatering as the seeds are susceptible to damping off. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into individual pots – plants resent root disturbance - and grow on at around 22°C.
Grow in large containers in well-drained soil, keeping them in a warm conservatory or heated glasshouse at a minimum temperature of 10-15cm (6in). Water and fertilise regularly during the growing season but keep on the dry side during cold periods. Plants can be brought outdoors for the summer months. Plants may be susceptible to glasshouse spider mite and whitefly.
Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.
Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.
Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.
Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.
Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.
Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.
For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.
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