 Papaya is a tropical fruit. However, it also grows well in the mild subtropical regions of the country up to 1,000m above mean sea-level. Temperature is one of the most important climatic factors which determines the success of papaya cultivation. Night temperature below 12°–14°C for several hours during winter season affects its growth and production severely. It is very much sensitive to frost, strong winds and water stagnation.
 It can grow in a wide variety of soils, provided these are well-drained and aerated. A rich, well-drained sandy loam soil is ideal for its cultivation. It grows well in deep, rich, alluvial soils on banks and deltas of big rivers of India. Papaya can also be grown in calcareous and stony soils provided with heavy dose of organic manures. Soils with high pH (8.0) and low pH (5.0) should be avoided.