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Plant identify in veg garden bed #368762

Asked October 08, 2016, 6:34 PM EDT

I used to have a compost pile in this location before turning it into a raised vegetable garden area where I planted eggplant, carrots and peas in August/Sept. This plant and several others just like it popped up along with the eggplant. I want to know what it is so I can decide if I should pull it out or keep it. The largest is about 10 inches tall now.

Maricopa County Arizona

Expert Response

Any chance you tossed some papaya seeds in the pile some time ago? If so, you could have a batch of seedlings. (If not, please let me know.)
And if that's so, you'll need frost-free conditions to bring them to mature fruiting plants. If you want to try, here’s an informative site: http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-papaya.html

And this site says “Papayas thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, which corresponds to minimum winter temperatures of 19℉ to 40ºF (-7℃ to 4ºC). They may be damaged or die if exposed to prolonged frost, and prefer climates that are warm throughout most of the year.” http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Papaya.

You may want to contact the Maricopa County Extension Service Office for further details:  http://extension.arizona.edu/maricopa.





Thank you! I believe you are completely right! I must have put papaya seeds into my compost months ago. I'm so grateful that you knew what it is!
The Question Asker Replied October 11, 2016, 2:44 AM EDT

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