Pawpaws (Asimina triloba) are a unique, delicious, and underappreciated fruit native to North America, especially along the eastern United States. Known for their custard-like texture and tropical flavor, pawpaws are an exciting addition to home orchards in the Northeast. While often associated with southern climates (it’s not a papaya), they grow best in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the country. In this guide, we’ll cover optimal growing conditions, recommended varieties, annual maintenance, and harvest times to help you successfully cultivate pawpaws. Here and there I will add my own opinions about why I think Paw Paws would make a great tree for any yard! And if you are looking for paw paw trees click here.
1. Understanding Pawpaw Growing Conditions
Before planting pawpaws, it’s crucial to understand the conditions they need to thrive. While they are native to temperate forests and can tolerate a range of conditions, pawpaws have specific preferences:
Climate
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Pawpaws grow best in zones 4 to 9. Many areas in the Northeast, including states like New York, New Jersey, and parts of Pennsylvania, fall within this range. Paw Paws are also known to grow into Canada as well.
- Temperature: While pawpaws can tolerate cold, they need a long, warm growing season (150-160 frost-free days) for the fruit to ripen properly. The good news is that they can withstand winter temperatures as low as -20°F once established. Paw Paws are native to the Northeast and are very winter hardy.
Sunlight
- Young Trees: Pawpaw seedlings thrive in partial shade. In nature, they often grow as understory trees, protected from direct sunlight. Because they are often found in shaded spots in nature, It is believed that Paw Paws need to get a little extra protection from sun exposure their first few years. I have heard this discussed by local Pawpaw grower Charlie West and world renown Paw Paw breeder Neal Peterson. They have differing opinions on if this is in fact needed.
I have done my own research and have found that young paw paws in tree tubes or protected by ‘snow fence’ type fencing is enough sun protection to have very good growing results those first few years.
- Mature Trees: Once established, mature pawpaws prefer full sun. A sunny spot will maximize fruit production, size, and quality.
Soil
- Soil Type: Pawpaws thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 5.5-7) soil that is rich in organic matter. They don’t tolerate heavy clay or waterlogged soils well, so adding sand or compost to improve drainage is essential if your soil is heavy. Mounding up soil is a good method to get root up and out of an area with a high water table or one with heavy, water logged soils.
- Watering: Consistent moisture is crucial during the growing season, especially during the first few years. However, waterlogged roots can cause rot, so ensure proper drainage.
I have found rainfall in the Northeast, particularly western NJ is enough to get good productive trees. Dry years like 2022 and 2024 trees might need supplemental watering. Providing the tree with enough water will increase the size and condition of your paw paw fruit.
2. Selecting Pawpaw Varieties for the Northeast
Choosing the right pawpaw varieties for your climate and soil is important for ensuring a successful harvest. Some varieties perform better in the Northeast due to their cold hardiness and disease resistance. I have had good results growing the following varieties.
Recommended Varieties
- ‘Sunflower’: This variety is known for producing large abundant, large fruits with excellent flavor. It’s one of the latest ripening variety, great to extend the pawpaw season.
- ‘Allegheny’: With a rich, sweet flavor and smaller seeds, Allegheny’ is another cold-hardy variety that performs well in the Northeast. It’s popular for its high fruit quality.
- ‘Susquehanna’: Known for its large, meaty fruits and smaller seed-to-pulp ratio, ‘Susquehanna’ is a favorite among pawpaw enthusiasts. It has excellent flavor and is hardy in zone 5.
- ‘Shenandoah’: This variety produces large, sweet fruits with a mild flavor, and its firm flesh makes it great for fresh eating. It’s a productive variety that grows well in colder climates.
- ‘Potomac’: One of the largest fruited varieties. A favorite for its smooth texture and excellent flavor, Extremely fleshy with small percentage of seeds.
- ‘Benson’: KSU mid season variety. Bears heavy crops of rich and delicious medium sized fruit. Unique mango, banana, pineapple flavor.
Pollination Needs
Pawpaws are not self-pollinating, meaning you’ll need at least two genetically distinct trees for cross-pollination. Flies and beetles are the primary insect pollinators of Paw Paw flowers. Pollination can be an issue for those of us with just a few trees. Hand pollination with a small paint brush is a great way to increase your fruit set if insect activity is low.
3. Planting Pawpaw Trees
To get your pawpaw trees off to the best possible start, follow these planting guidelines:
Timing
- The best time to plant pawpaw trees in the Northeast is in spring or early fall. Spring planting gives young trees time to establish over the course of the growing season and before the cold weather sets in. Remember to water thoroughly if summer rains aren’t occurring frequently.
- If you’re planting in fall, be sure to do so early enough for the roots to establish before the ground freezes. Fall planting is a great idea, just make sure to provide protection from rodents and larger wildlife like deer. Mice, deer, and other animals will attempt to eat unprotected young bark over the winter.
Spacing
- Pawpaws should be planted about 10-12 feet apart to allow for adequate air circulation and space for root growth. They can grow up to 15-20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10-15 feet, so plan accordingly.
Planting Steps
- Dig a hole that’s twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of your tree.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the root collar (where the roots meet the trunk) is level with or slightly above the ground surface.
- Fill the hole with soil, tamp it down gently, and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
- Top dress the area around the truck and root zone with compost or organic matter if needed. We use a well rooted manure-based compost to improve fertility.
Mulching
- Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and rodent habitat. If you have seen mulch volcanos, this should look like the inverse of a volcano, more like a crater.
Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Apply a few layers of wet cardboard or weed fabric before you spread the mulch. The cardboard will act as weed suppression. Once it eventually grounds down it will feed the soil organisms.
4. Annual Maintenance Requirements for Pawpaw Trees
Once your pawpaw trees are established, they require minimal care, but there are a few essential tasks to keep them healthy and productive.
Watering
- For the first two to three years, make sure your pawpaw trees receive consistent watering, especially during dry spells. After that, mature trees are relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
Fertilization
- Pawpaws respond well to organic fertilizers like compost or well-rotted manure. Apply compost in early spring. Some people will add a second fertility dose of compost in the summer or fall. We spotted doing this because we found our spring compost application gave our trees enough fertility for the season. This might be different for you depending on your soil structure and organic matter.
- You can use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring before new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production. We started with organic fertilizers before we eventually switched over to compost. Do what is best for you and your sanity. No judgement here!
Pruning
- Pruning is minimal for pawpaws, but you should remove any dead or diseased branches in late winter or early spring. You can also thin the canopy to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which helps prevent disease.
- Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce fruit production.
Pest and Disease Management
- Pawpaws are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but you may occasionally encounter pawpaw peduncle borer or twig girdlers. If pests become a problem, use organic insecticides like neem oil. Believe it or not during in 2020 we have an huge amount of cicada’s emerge on our property. Paw paws and blueberry plants did get a considerable amount of damage from the cicadas as they laid their eggs inside the young tree branches. Check out the picture below of the cicada damage!
- Paw paws are supposed to be deer resistant, meaning deer will generally leave them alone if there is another food source. Given a drought or no other food sources, deer will certainly eat your paw paw leaves. You may want to install fencing, tree tubes or use deer repellents if browsing is a concern.
5. Harvesting Pawpaws
Pawpaws are typically ready to harvest in late summer to early fall, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Here’s how to know when your pawpaws are ripe and ready to pick:
Signs of Ripeness
- The fruit will feel slightly soft to the touch, similar to a ripe peach. Paw paws will start falling from the tree when they are ripe as well.
- Pawpaws will also emit a fruity, tropical aroma when they’re ready to harvest.
- The skin may turn a little yellowish-green, but pawpaws don’t change color dramatically, so rely more on texture and smell.
Harvesting Tips
- Gently twist or cut the fruit from the tree. Avoid pulling too hard, as this can damage the fruit or branches.
- Pawpaws bruise easily, so handle them carefully and store them in a cool place.
Storage
- Fresh pawpaws can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or two, but they’re best enjoyed soon after harvesting. You can also freeze the pulp for use in smoothies, baked goods, or ice cream later. We also freeze whole pawpaws to increase storage and market sales. Frozen paw paws can be thawed and eaten as needed.
Conclusion
Growing pawpaws in the Northeast is a rewarding experience, offering you a taste of tropical fruit right in your backyard. By selecting the right varieties, providing optimal growing conditions, and performing routine care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of pawpaws year after year. Whether you’re a home gardener or small-scale farmer, adding pawpaws to your orchard is sure to bring diversity and flavor to your harvest.
With patience and attention to their unique needs, pawpaw trees will thrive in the Northeast, giving you access to this rare and delicious fruit. Pawpaws are increasing in popularity. If you want to plant a few paw paws of your own check out our store for grafted and seedling paw paws!
If you like native edible fruit like paw paws, you might also like persimmons and chestnuts. They are both edible natives just like the paw paw. Check out these articles to learn more about growing persimmon and chestnut trees in the Northeast. Thanks!