Cultivated or Improved Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a hardy, deciduous North American fruit tree valued for its large, creamy, banana-like fruits with a rich tropical flavor. Unlike wild strains, cultivated or improved pawpaw varieties produce higher yields and larger, more uniform fruit, making them ideal for home gardeners and orchardists.
This Non-GMO, cold-hardy fruit tree grows naturally in shaded woodlands and riverbanks but also thrives in home gardens with moderate care. Pawpaws feature large, tropical-looking leaves, fragrant spring flowers, and flavorful late-summer fruit. The tree is an excellent choice for native gardens, edible landscaping, and ecological restoration.
Features
- Improved cultivated strain for larger fruit and better yield
- Non-GMO and naturally cold-hardy (USDA zones 5–9)
- Produces sweet, creamy, banana-mango-flavored fruits
- Attractive large leaves and maroon spring flowers
- Low maintenance and pest-resistant
- Ideal for edible landscapes and wildlife plantings
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Asimina triloba
- Common Name: Pawpaw / Custard Apple
- Variety Type: Cultivated / Improved strain
- Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
- Growth Height: 15–30 feet
- Spread: 10–20 feet
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Deep, fertile, well-drained loam; slightly acidic (pH 5.5–7.0)
- Bloom Season: Spring (April–May)
- Fruit Season: Late summer to early fall
- Flower Color: Purple-maroon, fragrant
- Fruit Color: Yellow-green skin with creamy flesh
- Foliage: Large tropical-looking green leaves
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Planting Season: Spring or fall
- Sowing Depth: 1 inch
- Germination Time: 90–120 days (requires 90–120 days cold stratification)
- Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
- Maintenance: Minimal pruning; remove lower branches as tree matures
- Pollination: Cross-pollination required for best fruit set
- Wildlife Benefits: Attracts pollinators and supports native species
- Uses: Edible landscapes, home orchards, native forest gardens
Planting Guide
- Cold Stratify: Chill seeds in moist medium for 90–120 days before sowing.
- Prepare Soil: Use rich, well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded location.
- Sow Seeds: Plant 1 inch deep and water gently.
- Light: Young seedlings prefer partial shade; mature trees tolerate full sun.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist; avoid drying out.
- Spacing: 10–15 feet apart for orchard planting.
- Care: Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
