Papaya – Red Lady

Papaya Red Lady

The ‘Red Lady’ is a popular variety of papaya (Carica papaya) known for its relatively compact size, early fruiting, and disease resistance. 

Key Characteristics:

• Fruit:
  • Shape: Oblong.
  • Size: Medium to large, typically weighing 2-5 pounds.
  • Skin: Green when young, ripening to yellow.
  • Flesh: Vibrant red-orange to salmon-colored, sweet, and juicy.
  • Flavor: Described as having a sweet, melon-like flavor.
• Plant:
  • Growth Habit: Relatively compact, reaching 6-8 feet tall.
  • Fruiting: Early-fruiting, often producing fruit within the first year.
  • Disease Resistance: Notably resistant to Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV).
  • Self-Fertile: Doesn’t require a separate pollinator plant.
• Growing Zones:
  • Climate: Thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates.
  • USDA Zones: Best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11. 

In summary: The Red Lady papaya is a popular choice for home gardeners due to its manageable size, early and abundant fruit production, sweet flavor, and resistance to common papaya diseases.