Carica Pubescens Seeds, Mountain Papaya

Sowing **Carica pubescens** (mountain papaya), a species related to the common papaya but adapted to cooler climates and higher altitudes, is relatively simple if you follow these steps:

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### Materials needed:
- **Carica pubescens** seeds.
- Light, well-drained substrate (mixture of potting soil, sand or perlite).
- Seedling pots or trays.
- Warm water for soaking.
- Spray bottle or watering can with low flow.
- Mini greenhouse or transparent plastic bag (optional).

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### Steps for sowing:

#### 1. **Seed harvest and preparation**:
- If you harvest the seeds yourself, extract them from ripe fruit.
- Clean them carefully to remove any pulp, which prevents the development of mold.
- Let the seeds dry in a shady place for **1 to 2 days**.

#### 2. **Soaking the seeds**:
- Soak the seeds in warm water (about 40°C) for **24 hours**. This helps soften their shell and stimulates germination.

#### 3. **Substrate preparation**:
- Use a well-drained mix of 50% seed starting soil and 50% sand or perlite.
- Fill the pots or seed trays with this mixture.

#### 4. **Sowing the seeds**:
- Sow the seeds at a depth of **1 to 2 cm**.
- Cover them lightly with sieved substrate and tamp down gently to ensure good contact with the soil.

#### 5. **Watering**:
- Gently moisten the substrate with a spray bottle or a watering can at low flow.
- Maintain constant humidity, but avoid the substrate becoming soggy.

#### 6. **Germination conditions**:
- Place the pots in a warm, bright place, but out of direct sunlight.
- The ideal temperature for germination is **20 to 25 °C**.
- If possible, cover the pots with a mini greenhouse or a transparent plastic bag to retain humidity and heat. Ventilate regularly to avoid mold.

#### 7. **Germination**:
- **Carica pubescens** seeds usually germinate in **2 to 4 weeks**, but it can sometimes take longer depending on conditions.

#### 8. **Replanting**:
- When the seedlings reach about **5 to 10 cm** and develop several leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
- Use a similar substrate and continue to grow them in a bright place.

#### 9. **Planting in open ground or in a large pot**:
- Transplant the young plants into their final location when all risk of frost has passed and they are sufficiently robust.
- **Carica pubescens** prefers rich, well-drained soil.

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### Additional tips:
- **Exposure**: This plant likes bright light but can tolerate light partial shade.
- **Climate**: Unlike the common papaya, **Carica pubescens** is adapted to cooler climates and can withstand temperatures as low as **0 to -2°C**, but it is best to protect it from prolonged frost.
- **Watering**: Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy.
- **Fertilization**: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
- **Multiplication**: If you want to speed up fruit production, cuttings or grafting is an alternative.

With these steps, you will be able to successfully grow **Carica pubescens** and enjoy its tasty fruits and tropical appearance. 🌱