Red Lady Papaya is a dwarf variety that fruits at about 3 feet tall. They are fast growing, but I don't think they will fruit within one year.
I had the above mentioned variety up until this summer. I purchased a small plant(about 1.5 ft. tall) at Home Depot for under $10. It was loaded with large fruit about 8 months later. So, I would guess from seed to fruit is about 16 months.
Insects usually got to the ripe fruit first.. but when they didn't, the fruit I harvested was watery and tasteless. I think the ants knew the good ones!
I decided to remove the papaya tree in order to make room for pitaya!
