Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is one of the most nutritious fruits. Due to the presence of the enzyme ‘papain’, which has a number of uses, there is now an increased industrial demand for the fruit. This chapter reviews plant and floral morphology of papaya as well as advances in genetics and breeding. It also discusses climate and cultivation requirements to produce high-quality papaya as well as suitable methods for successful propagation, germination and fertilization. The chapter also highlights the various pests and diseases that damage papaya as well as emphasising the best time to pick the fruit during its ripening stage. The chapter concludes by emphasising the importance of the crop and the constraints small- and medium-scale farmers face when trying to grow papaya.