If you’ve never tried a pawpaw, you’re missing out on one of North America’s best-kept fruit secrets. These trees (Asimina triloba) produce delicious, custard-like fruit that tastes like a mix of banana, mango, and melon. Not only do they bring a unique tropical vibe to your garden, but they’re also super easy to grow—especially if you live in the eastern or central U.S. So, if you’re looking to add something unique to your backyard orchard, keep reading!
Why Grow a Pawpaw Tree?
Pawpaws are not found in grocery stores because they have a short shelf life and don’t ship well. That makes them perfect for home growers who want to enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit that few others have tried! These fruits are easy to grow and low maintenance once established. They attract beneficial wildlife and pollinators to your garden for an overall healthy ecosystem.
Picking the Perfect Spot for Your Pawpaw Tree
Pawpaw trees are a bit picky when it comes to their growing conditions, but once they’re established, they thrive with minimal effort.
Where to Plant:
Young trees like some shade, but mature ones need 6-8 hours of full sun for the best fruit. Trees require rich, well-drained soil with slightly acidic ph (5.5-7.0). Pawpaws love consistent moisture, but don’t let their roots sit in water.
Planting Steps:
- Prep the Soil: Loosen up the dirt and mix in compost for added nutrients.
- Dig the Hole: Twice as wide as the root ball so the roots have room to spread.
- Position the Tree: Keep it at the same depth as it was in the nursery container.
- Water Well: Give it a good soak right after planting.
- Mulch It Up: A 2-3 inch layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keep weeds away.
Pollination 101:
Pawpaws are not self-pollinators and they need a buddy—you’ll need at least two different varieties for cross-pollination. Since they’re pollinated by flies and beetles, hand-pollination with a brush can boost fruit production.
Caring for Your Pawpaw Tree
Once your tree is settled in, it’s low maintenance, but a little TLC will keep it thriving.
Watering & Mulching:
Young trees need regular watering, especially in dry spells. The soil needs to be moist, but not soggy. Mulching can help keep roots cool and weeds at bay.
Feeding Your Tree:
Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring. Be careful about nitrogen levels, as too much nitrogen can make the leaves lush but slow down fruit production. You can also use organic options like compost or aged manure.
Pruning Tips:
Prune sparingly and only focus on removing dead or damaged branches. Thinning out some branches can boost airflow and sunlight exposure. Late winter or early spring is the best time for trimming.
Harvesting Pawpaw Fruit
After 4-7 years from planting, you’ll start to see fruit—and it’s worth the wait! Fruit ripens between September and October, and should be soft when gently pressed and smell sweet. When harvesting, twist or cut the fruit off gently. Pawpaws bruise very easily, so handle with care. The fresh fruit can last up to one week in the refrigerator, but you can freeze the pulp to enjoy later.
Keeping Your Pawpaw Tree Happy
Pawpaws naturally resist most pests, but ripe fruit might attract deer, raccoons, and birds. You will want to keep the area around the base weed-free so your tree gets all the nutrients. Mature trees handle the cold well, but younger ones might need mulching and trunk wrapping in extreme winters.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something fun, different, and delicious to add to your garden, pawpaw trees are a great choice. Whether you’re in Indiana, Kentucky, or anywhere in USDA Zones 5-9, these trees will reward you with exotic, homegrown fruit. Just pick a sunny spot, water regularly, and plant multiple trees for the best harvest.
