The next time you see a pawpaw, dig in.
Pawpaw, paw-paw, or paw paw?
Pawpaws are fragrant and have a distinctly bright, tropical flavor and custard-like texture.
Credit: Southern Living
if you catch freshly ripe pawpaws, go ahead and dig in.
One bite, and you’ll be enjoying one of America’s best-kept-secret fruits.
Leaves and stems are toxic to people as well.)
Young trees need more protection from the sun.
Light
Pawpaw trees can grow in deep shade but won’t produce as much fruit.
Interestingly enough, depending on what bang out of light the tree is exposed to its shape will change.
Adding compost to the soil can help with the soil’s quality and overall health.
Water
Younger pawpaw trees require frequent watering during the first year so they can get established.
Just ensure not to overwater your tree, as this can cause issues.
see to it the soil surrounding the base remains moist.
Pawpaws can withstand occasional wet soil but shouldn’t be planted in an area frequently inundated with water.
If planted in an orchard or drier soil, occasional watering can be helpful.
Trees should receive about an inch of water per week between rainfall and watering.
Pawpaws may drop fruit prematurely during a dry heatwave.
Wait to fertilize until the second year, as young trees can be sensitive.
When ordering your pawpaws, be sure to plant two or more selections to ensure cross-pollination.
Otherwise, remove crossing, damaged, or diseased branches.
The best time to do so is in winter.
Propagating Pawpaws
Pawpaws are best propagated from seed by home gardeners.
Propagating from cuttings is considered difficult and has a low success rate.
Be sure to mark where you planted them, as seedlings may not appear well into summer.
Overwintering
Pawpaws are cold-hardy and don’t require extra protection for winter in the South.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
These trees are pest-resistant but are not bulletproof.
Zebra swallowtail caterpillars usually don’t cause significant damage to the foliage.
The larvae of a small moth called the pawpaw peduncle borer can destroy many of the tree’s flowers.
Raccoonsand squirrelsmay eat the fruit.
Trees can develop powdery mildew or black spot in moist areas.
Spraying with a copper-based fungicide can help control serious problems.
The flowers have an unpleasant scent that attracts beetles and flies rather than bees.
Trees will produce more flowers and thus more fruit in a sunnier spot.
You’ll need a genetically dissimilar tree nearby to aid in pollination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most trees take five to eight years to start producing fruit.
DOI: 10.17352/2455-8400.000069
Kentucky State University.Pawpaw planting guide.
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.Asimina triloba.
