Grow Your Own Pawpaws From Seed
Growing a Paw Paw is easy: start with a seed, grow your own tree.
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1. Climate
1.1. Natural Pawpaw Range in USA
2.1. Grow a tree
2.2. Grow a shrub
3. Light Requirements
4. Water Requirements
- Prefer humid continental climates, similar to their native range
- Require warm to hot summers, with at least 160 frost-free days
- Require mild to cold winters, with a minimum of 400 hours of winter chill
- Trees will grow with less winter chill but they may not fruit
- Minimum of 32" (81 cm) of rainfall mainly in spring and summer
- Will grow in USDA zones 5-9
1.1. Natural Pawpaw Range in USA
Source: NRCS/PLANT database pawpaw range map
1.2. USDA Hardiness Zones
Pawpaws grow in zones 5-9. Source: Seattle Seed Company
2. Location Selection2.1. Grow a tree
- Location with full sun
- Allow space for at least 1 other cultivar, 2 or more is even better for cross-pollination
- Allow 8'-15' between trees (mature trees could reach 25' tall, 18' wide)
- Plant no more than 25' from the next pawpaw to ensure optimal cross-pollination
- Provide shelter from high wind with nearby building, fence, or shrubbery
2.2. Grow a shrub
- Location with part shade, beneath canopy of tall trees for example
- Allow space for at least 1 other cultivar, 2 or more is even better for cross-pollination
- Plant no more than 25' from the next pawpaw to ensure optimal cross-pollination
3. Light Requirements
- Part shade for seedlings under 2 years (direct sunlight on seedlings burns their leaves)
- Full sun for trees older than 2 years (trees in full sun produce more fruit)
4. Water Requirements
- Younger trees require frequent watering, make sure the soil surrounding the base remains moist
- Do not overwater – yellowing leaves on young plants could indicate over-watering
- Mature trees with access to regular rainwater or are near a water source shouldn't require much additional watering
5. Soil Characteristics
7. Pollination and Fruit
8. Pests and Disease
9. Quick Reference Growing Guide
- Loamy and rich with organic matter content
- Moist
- Well-draining (**essential for optimal growth)
- Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 – 7.0)
- No heavy or clay soils
Source: Toemar Landscape and Garden Supplies
6. Fertilizer Requirements- Fertilize 2 times each year (March and June) with a well-balanced fertilizer for optimal growth and fruit production
- Spread fertilizer evenly under the entire canopy, avoiding a 2" area around the trunk, water or rake the fertilizer into the soil
- Do not fertilize after the first of July (this may promote new growth late in the year that could be subject to freeze damage)
- Organic mulch at the base of tree in the fall is recommended
7. Pollination and Fruit
- Pawpaws are self-incompatible and require pollen from a genetically different tree in order to be fertilized
- Plant at least 2 different cultivars for cross-pollination, 3 or more is even better
- Plant trees no more than 25' apart for efficient cross-pollination
- Trees begin to bear fruit in 5-8 years (when saplings reach 6' height)
- Flowers are pollinated by flies and beetles attracted to the rotten-meat scent exuded
- If low pollination is observed, hand pollination with a paintbrush is possible
8. Pests and Disease
- Typically not prone to pests or disease
- Fungal or bacterial leafspot can occur on leaves that are wet for too long, may be treated with a food-safe copper-based fungicide
- Pawpaw peduncle borer (Talponia plummeriana) is one of few pests that specifically target this species, the larvae consume portions of the flowers when the trees are blooming, leading to a smaller crop
- Spider mites, hornworms, various caterpillars, and Japanese beetles can attack the leaves
9. Quick Reference Growing Guide
Source: Nan Schiller, Gardener’s Path