How to Grow Paw Paws | North America's Tropical Fruit Guide

Introduction to Paw Paws

Paw paw (Asimina triloba) is North America's largest native fruit, with a tropical flavor reminiscent of banana, mango, and custard. This understory tree thrives in conditions that challenge other fruit trees and is remarkably pest and disease resistant.

Why Grow Paw Paws?

Unique tropical flavor unlike any other temperate fruit
Native to eastern North America (Zones 5-9)
Virtually no pest or disease problems
Beautiful ornamental tree with tropical-looking foliage
Tolerates shade—perfect for forest gardens
Deer resistant!

Popular Varieties

Sunflower: Self-fertile, large fruit, consistent producer
Shenandoah: Sweet, creamy flesh, large fruit
Susquehanna: Largest fruit, excellent flavor
Mango: Mango-like flavor, early ripening
NC-1: Cold hardy, good flavor, reliable
Potomac: Excellent flavor, smaller seeds
Wabash: High quality, productive

Climate and Hardiness

Zones: 5-9
Chill Hours: 400+ hours below 45°F
Summer Heat: Tolerates heat well once established
Humidity: Prefers humid conditions

Site Selection

Sunlight:

Young Trees: Require shade for first 1-2 years
Bearing Trees: Fruit best in full sun
Strategy: Plant in part shade or provide temporary shade cloth for young trees

Soil:

Type: Deep, fertile, well-draining
pH: 5.5-7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)
Moisture: Consistent moisture important; avoid wet feet
Drainage: Essential—paw paws won't tolerate waterlogging

Space:

10-15 feet between trees
Trees can form thickets via root suckers if not managed

Pollination

Paw paws have unique pollination requirements:

Cross-Pollination Required: Plant at least 2 different varieties (or genetically distinct seedlings)
Pollinators: Flies and beetles (not bees!)
Flower Scent: Maroon flowers emit faint carrion smell to attract pollinators

Improving Pollination:

Plant multiple varieties within 10-15 feet
Hang rotting fruit or meat near trees during bloom (attracts flies)
Hand pollinate using small brush

Planting

Timing:

Spring planting is best (after frost danger)
Fall planting possible in mild climates

Method:

Dig hole 2x wider than root ball, same depth
Handle taproot carefully—paw paws dislike transplanting
Water thoroughly after planting
Mulch heavily (4-6 inches) to maintain moisture
Provide shade! Temporary shade cloth or interplant with taller plants

First Year Care

Shade: Critical for first 2 years
Water: Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged
Mulch: Maintain thick mulch layer
Patience: Growth is slow first few years

Ongoing Care

Watering:

Consistent moisture important throughout life
Drought stress reduces fruit quality
Mulch helps retain moisture

Fertilizing:

Light feeder—often needs no additional fertilizer
Annual compost application usually sufficient
If growth is slow, apply balanced organic fertilizer in spring

Pruning:

Minimal pruning needed
Remove suckers unless you want thicket formation
Thin crossing or rubbing branches
Can be trained to single trunk or multi-stemmed form

Pest and Disease

Paw paws are remarkably trouble-free:

Peduncle Borer: Occasionally affects fruit stem. Minor issue.
Leaf Rollers: Cosmetic damage only
Phyllosticta Leaf Spot: Minor fungal issue in wet years
Overall: No major pests or diseases!

Harvesting

Paw paws have a short harvest window and don't store well.

Signs of Ripeness:

Fruit yields to gentle pressure (like a ripe avocado)
Skin color lightens slightly from green to yellow-green
Strong tropical aroma
Fruit releases from branch with light twist

Harvest Tips:

Check trees every 1-2 days during ripening
Ripe fruit falls naturally—check ground
Handle gently—fruit bruises easily
Harvest slightly firm for 2-3 days of ripening at room temperature

Storage and Use

Fresh: 2-3 days at room temperature, up to 1 week refrigerated
Frozen Pulp: Scoop flesh and freeze for several months
Uses: Fresh eating, smoothies, ice cream, baked goods

Timeline to Fruit

Seedlings: 5-8 years to first fruit
Grafted Trees: 3-4 years to first fruit
Full Production: 8-10 years