Consequently, most papayas are types rather than varieties, so fruiting characteristics are better considered in groups. There are some cases where plants produce more than one kind of flower at the same time. Bisexuals are usually preferred for home plantings, but most types available in Texas are male or female. Because sex determination prior to flowering is practically impossible, two to four seedling plants are grown together until flowering to assure females for fruit production and males for pollination. Fruit types range from small to medium round and medium to large oblong.
Flesh color is mostly yellow, although there are some orange to red types.
Female flowers are borne along the trunk and can be identified by that location and the presence of a miniature papaya fruit inside the base of the flower petals. Male flowers are borne in long sprays that originate along the trunk. Bisexual types are practically identical to the females, but have male stamens surrounding the miniature fruit inside the flower petals. Propagation and Planting Germination is accomplished in approximately two weeks under full sunlight. The pots of plants should be spaced 8 to 10 feet apart.