Papaya
A legendary indica-dominant powerhouse crossing Citral #13 with Ice #2—renowned for its tropical fruit profile and heavy resin.
What is Papaya?
Papaya by Nirvana Seeds is an indica-dominant staple that has become a fundamental building block for modern solventless breeding. By crossing Citral #13 with Ice #2, Nirvana created a cultivar that defies the typical "earthy" indica trope, instead delivering a pungent, tropical aromatic experience that mimics its namesake fruit.
The strain is celebrated for its manageable height and quick flowering time, making it a favorite for both commercial sea-of-green setups and hobbyist growers. Beyond the bag appeal, Papaya is a top-tier hash producer, valued for its large, easily detached trichome heads. Sourcing a verified breeder cut ensures you capture the specific "rotten fruit" funk that has made this specific lineage a legend in the extraction community.
Terpene Profile
The Papaya strain terpenes offer a distinct departure from the gas-heavy market. The nose is dominated by overripe tropical fruit, mango, and papaya, supported by a creamy, spicy back end inherited from its Citral and Ice ancestry. It is often described as "sweet but funky."
Growing Papaya
Papaya is known for its stout, bushy structure and high resistance to pests and mold. It doesn't stretch as aggressively as sativas, making it ideal for vertical-limited spaces. With a flowering window of 8-9 weeks, it is a fast finisher that puts on significant weight in the final 14 days.
Key Growing Tips
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DefoliationHeavy leaf sets require strategic pruning to ensure light reaches lower bud sites.
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TemperaturePrefers slightly warmer daytime temps but benefits from a 10-degree drop at night to boost color.
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LollipopingRemoving lower growth early helps focus energy on the massive terminal colas.
Because of the dense bud structure, keep your airflow high during late bloom. Papaya buds can become very thick and heavy, making them susceptible to moisture trap if humidity isn't dialed in.
Rosin & Hash Performance
Papaya is a top-tier commercial extraction strain. It is widely considered the gold standard for fruit-profile concentrates due to its massive trichome heads and greasy texture that washes exceptionally well.
Effects & Experience
The Papaya strain effects are characterized by a heavy, narcotic body stone that is perfect for late-night use. While it provides a brief wave of cerebral euphoria, it quickly settles into a deep physical relaxation that can easily lead to "couch-lock" for less experienced users.
Best Clone Pairings
Looking to build a high-yielding, resin-focused garden? These clones are the perfect companions for Papaya, offering complementary terpene profiles or similar growing requirements:
Frequently Asked Questions
While most modern strains are hybrids, Papaya is heavily indica-dominant. Its growth structure (short and bushy) and its physical effects (heavy sedation) are classic indica traits.
Nirvana Seeds created Papaya by crossing Citral #13 with Ice #2. This combination brought together the spicy, citrus notes of Citral with the resin-heavy, "icy" properties of Ice.
Papaya has a specific trichome morphology—large, bulbous heads on weak stalks. This allows the trichomes to break off easily during the washing process, resulting in higher yields of high-quality bubble hash (up to 7-8% WPFF).
The smell is unique: a mix of fresh tropical papaya, sweet mango, and a distinct "funky" or "rotten" fruit undertone that is highly sought after by connoisseurs.
