Pawpaw

Choosing Pawpaw Seeds or Seedlings: Welcome to the world of pawpaws, a unique and delicious fruit native to North America! For beginners, it's usually easier to start with young seedlings rather than seeds because pawpaw seeds can take longer to germinate. You can find pawpaw seedlings at local nurseries or online.

Timing: Pawpaws are best planted in early spring when the soil is moist and workable. They love warm weather but need time to settle before summer heat kicks in.

Tools and Materials:

A large pot (if starting in a container) or garden space

Well-draining, rich soil (mix compost into regular garden soil if needed)

Mulch (like wood chips or straw)

Watering can or hose

Shovel or trowel

• Pawpaw seedling

Tip: Pawpaws grow naturally in the understory of forests, so they do well in partial shade but will also tolerate full sun with enough water.

If Using Seedlings:

1. Prepare the Soil: Choose a spot that gets dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your seedling.
2. Plant the Seedling: Carefully remove the seedling from its pot and place it in the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in around the roots with soil, gently pressing it down to remove air pockets.
3. Water Thoroughly: After planting, give it a good soak. This helps the soil settle around the roots and eliminates any remaining air pockets.
4. Add Mulch: Spread a thick layer of mulch (about 2-3 inches) around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the stem. This helps retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay.

Tip: If you're planting more than one pawpaw, space them about 10-15 feet apart. Pawpaws like company—they tend to produce more fruit when grown near other pawpaws!

Sunlight Requirements: Pawpaws thrive in partial shade but can handle full sun if they get enough water. Young plants appreciate some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Watering Method:

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season.
• Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.
• In hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently.

Fertilizing Tips:

• Fertilize sparingly—pawpaws don’t need much. Once a year, in early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer (something like a 10-10-10 mix) around the base of the plant.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant.

Support and Pruning:

• Pawpaws don’t typically need staking, but if you notice the plant leaning, you can use a simple stake for support.
• Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as pawpaws naturally grow into a nice shape without much intervention.

Tip: Pawpaws have shallow roots, so be careful when weeding around them. Use a hoe or hand-pull weeds gently to avoid damaging the roots.

When to Harvest: Pawpaws typically take 5-7 years to bear fruit from seed, but if you started with a seedling, you might see fruit sooner. The fruit usually ripens in late summer to early fall (around September or October).

Signs of Ripeness:

• The fruit will feel slightly soft to the touch, similar to a ripe avocado.
• The skin may change color slightly, often developing yellow or brown spots.
• The aroma will be sweet and tropical, signaling that it’s ready to pick.

How to Harvest: Gently twist the fruit off the branch or use pruning shears to snip it off. Be careful not to damage the fruit or the tree.

Storage:

• Ripe pawpaws don’t last long, so enjoy them quickly or store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• If you have an abundance of fruit, consider freezing the pulp for smoothies or desserts.

Tip: Pawpaws taste best when fully ripe. Let them sit on the counter for a day or two after picking if they’re still a bit firm.

Q: Why isn't my pawpaw tree producing fruit?

A: Pawpaws are not self-pollinating, meaning they need another pawpaw tree nearby for cross-pollination. Plant at least two trees to increase fruit production. Also, pollinators like flies and beetles are essential, so avoid using pesticides that could harm them.

Q: Can I grow pawpaws in containers?

A: Yes, but they won’t grow as large or produce as much fruit. Use a large container (at least 20 gallons) and ensure it has good drainage. Be prepared to repot as the tree grows.

Q: My leaves are turning yellow. What should I do?

A: Yellowing leaves can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil—if it’s soggy, reduce watering. If the soil is dry and compacted, add organic matter like compost to improve drainage.

Q: Do pawpaws attract wildlife?

A: Yes! Birds, squirrels, and other animals love pawpaws. Consider using netting to protect the fruit if you notice too many critters helping themselves.

Q: Can pawpaws survive frost?

A: Mature pawpaw trees can handle light frost, but young trees are more vulnerable. Protect young plants with a frost cloth or burlap during cold snaps.