20 Hawaiian Solo Sunrise Strawberry Papaya Seeds Hawaiian Sunrise Papaya has a Juicy Flesh is Sweeter than Any Other Species of Papaya, and Also Has an Acidity that is Lower than Any Others. The Flavor has Been Described as a Blend of Strawberry, Mango, Peach, and Banana. Sunrise Papaya is a Semi Dwarf Fruit Tree that Only Grows to 8 Foot Tall, Making it a Perfect Container Plant for Cooler Climates. Papayas like to be warm with both sunshine and reflected heat, so the hottest place against the house where nothing else seems happy is an ideal location. They also like to be as free from wind as possible, although this is not as critical as their need for sun. Papayas need a light, well-drained soil. They are easily killed by excess moisture. The soil needs to be moist in hot weather and dry in cold weather. Since this is the opposite of California's rain pattern, in addition to good drainage, plastic coverings to prevent over-wetting in winter may also be worthwhile. Papayas do not tolerate salty water or soil. The fast-growing papaya requires regular applications of nitrogen fertilizers but the exact rates have not been established. Feed monthly and adjust according to the plant's response. They can take fairly hot organic fertilizing such as chicken manure if used with deep irrigation after warm weather has started. Phosphorus deficiency causes dark green foliage with a reddish-purple discoloration of leaf veins and stalks. Zones 9b-11 Papaya Germination: 1) Mix about 3 1/2 ounces of calcium nitrate in 1 quart of water. Calcium nitrate is available in most garden centers as a fertilizer. This solution helps to decrease germination time, while increasing the total percentage of seeds that successfully germinate. Soak the papaya seeds in the calcium nitrate solution for about 30 minutes. 2) Soak the seeds in hot water at 158 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds; then soak them in distilled water at room temperature for 24 hours to increase the germination rate. 3) Use a well mixed and well draining seed starting soil. Do not start seeds in seedling trays because papayas transplant poorly; 1-gallon containers ensure the plant requires transplanting only once from the container to the ground. 4) To ensure successful germination for Papaya seeds, use a heated propagator mat to keep the soil between 80-85 degrees F., and place the containers in a sunny location, or use a grow light. 5) Evenly space two to four seeds in each container and cover the seeds with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of potting mix. 6) Keep the soil moist without overwatering. 7) Papaya seeds can germinate in about 2 to 5 weeks with the calcium nitrate treatment. Following these instructions will increase germination rate and speed.