Asimina triloba, Cricket Hill Garden Select Pawpaw Cricket Hill Garden

Asimina triloba, Cricket Hill Garden Select Pawpaw

Variety description: These seedling pawpaws are grown from the many named varieties of pawpaws we have fruiting in the landscape. Some of the parent trees include: ‘Taytwo,’ ‘Overlease,’ ‘NC-1,’ “IXL,’ ‘Qauker Delight,’ as well as the Peterson pawpaws.

Theses trees will have superior fruit in terms of size and flesh to seed ratio as compared to trees grown from wild collected seed. These trees are also likely to be well suited for the northern tier of the pawpaw’s range, since they are grown from fruit which ripened well in our cool USDA zone 6 climate.

With good care, these seedling should begin the fruit 5-6 years after planting. Cross pollination from two genetically distinct plants necessary for fruit to set. Trees should be planted no more than 20′ apart to ensure good pollination.

A relative of the tropical Custard Apple, the large, pointed oval foliage of pawpaws contribute to their exotic appearance. Mango shaped greenish-brown fruit weigh between 4 oz and 1 lb, making this the largest fruit native to North America. Ripe fruit have soft, juicy flesh and taste like banana custard with notes of pineapple and mango. Very good for fresh eating or for use in baking. Larvae of the zebra swallowtail butterfly (Eurytides marcellus), feed exclusively on young leaves of pawpaws.

Site requirements: Full sun location with evenly moist soil. Pawpaws will grow in the shade but fruit set will be poor.

Size at maturity: Trees can be maintained at about 15′ tall. Pawpaws sucker readily.

Pests and diseases: None.

Hardiness: Native from New York west to southeastern Nebraska, and south to northern Florida and eastern Texas. Will grow in USDA zones 5-9.

Plant size: 2 year old seedling, about 6-8” tall with a well developed root system. Will likely produce fruit in 4-5 years if given good care.

When we ship: Available for FALL 2024 shipping.

Shipping restrictions: None.