Originally from southern Mexico (particularly Chiapas and Veracruz), Central America, and northern South America, the papaya is now cultivated in most tropical countries. In cultivation, it grows rapidly, fruiting within three years. It is, however, highly frost-sensitive, limiting its production to tropical climates. Temperatures below 29° Fahrenheit are greatly harmful if not fatal. In Florida, growth is generally limited to southern parts of the state. It also prefers sandy, well-drained soil as standing water will kill the plant within 24 hours.[6]