THE MIGHTY PAWPAW TREE

We sell top-quality grafted trees, including Peterson pawpaws and Kentucky State University varieties. Selected varieties are grafted onto quality rootstock and have superior fruit of larger size with better taste and fewer seeds. Seedling grown trees may have disappointing fruit that can vary widely in size, flavor and seed count. Grafted trees will bear fruit in four to five years and seedling trees may take up to six or even eight years before bearing fruit.

For best fruit production, two trees of different varieties or two seedlings are necessary for cross pollination. Pawpaw flowers are perfect and have both male and female parts in one flower; the female parts mature before the male parts.

Pawpaw trees are native to the eastern half of North America. In their natural habitat, pawpaw trees prefer growing in the understory of the woods, near streams and rivers. In the garden, pawpaw trees can be grown in sun or shade. Pawpaws prefer well-drained soils and will grow in USDA zones 5 - 8.

When planting potted trees, be sure to dig a hole that is as deep as the taproot and take care not to damage pawpaw roots when planting. Water well for the first year of establishment and mulch around the base of the tree.