The pawpaw tree (Asimina triloba), offered here, is grown from seeds in our nursery, enduring our harsh winters, with seeds sourced from a mother tree in Ontario, known for its yellow-orange interior fruit. Those that pass the hardiness test are available to enthusiasts of rare fruits who enjoy a favorable microclimate or those eager to experiment with growing a species that many, including us, hope to push the northern limits of.
Resembling papaya (hence the name “Paw Paw”), it transports us to a tropical experience with a flavor that some compare to mango, banana, and pineapple, with a custardy and ripe banana-like texture, sometimes with a hint of caramel. Extraordinary! Cross-pollination requires planting two or more specimens to achieve the sought-after fruits, which fall from the small, exotic-looking tree late in the fall.
The pawpaw tree thrives in consistently humid soil, though it must be well-drained. Mulching can be helpful. It may be necessary to protect the tree from the cold, at least during its first few winters, as some branches may freeze, especially higher ones outside the snow cover. However, at our nursery, we do not artificially protect our seedlings and young plants, as we aim to select the hardiest specimens and introduce the most adaptable ones naturally.
Its flowers attract butterflies, and its large leaves stand out in the summer, nearly as much as in the fall when they turn a vivid golden color.
30 in stock