Paw Paw Tree

Pawpaws are native to North America and are delicious 3-6-inch fruits with a creamy texture and a flavor very similar to banana and mango and reminiscent of melon. Pawpaws, sometimes called the "poor man's banana" have a delicious tropical taste and can be eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, or used in baking. Pawpaw Trees are deciduous and grow to heights of 15-30 feet and featuring large, drooping leaves growing up to 12-inch long and creating a lush, tropical appearance. Distinctive maroon flowers grow in the Spring followed by the greenish-black, mango-shaped fruits ripening in late Summer to early Fall. Pawpaws are the largest edible fruits native to the USA and were a significant food source for Native American tribes and early European settlers. They were a favorite of Thomas Jefferson and were also consumed by Lewis and Clark during their journey across the American continent.

Also Known As: Papaw, Paw-Paw, Indiana Banana, Custard Apple, Prairie Banana, American Custard Apple, Banango, Poor Man's Banana, Appalachian Banana, and Quaker Delight.

Plant Name:	Tree, Paw Paw
Latin Name:	Asimina triloba
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	5 - 10 Years
Plant Height:	25 - 30 Feet
Spread:	15 - 20 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	5-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 15 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Because Paw Paw seeds must have at least 15% moisture and be kept at greater than 10F to live, Paw Paw seeds will come with moist media. Paw Paw requires a high temperature for germination (80F-95F). Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F for 90-120 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 80F-95F area. After 2-4 weeks, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant in pairs outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 65F. Paw Paw seedlings are best planted in pairs for optimal pollination. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1-2 inches deep and spaced 15 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1-2 inches
Within-Row Spacing:	15 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	15-20 feet

Care During the Season:

Paw Paw Trees produce distinctive, tropical-flavored fruit year after year with care. They grow best in partial shade or filtered sunlight, though they can tolerate full sun if grown in regions with adequate moisture. During the growing season, consistent watering is essential, especially in hot, dry weather. Fertilization is typically not needed, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can support growth for younger trees. Planting more than one tree can improve fruit yield by increasing cross-pollination opportunities. Pruning is minimal but can help shape the tree and promote air flow. In autumn, as the tree begins to slow its growth, it’s important to continue watering if the weather remains dry. Paw Paw trees are relatively cold-hardy but may benefit from a light mulch layer around the base in colder regions to protect the roots during winter.

Harvesting:

Ripe Paw Paws feel slightly soft like a peach and may turn yellow-green. Paw Paws are ripe when they fall from the tree. Paw Paws may be picked from trees when slightly under-ripe and left to ripen naturally. They should not be picked too early or they may not be able to finish ripening. Like bananas, they are overripe if brown-black spots develop and overtake fruit, but some prefer the flavor of Paw Paws this way. Paw paws bruise easily.