Overview

Embark on a rewarding gardening journey with this exceptional offering of pawpaw trees live. This collection includes four dormant bare root seedlings, each measuring 6-12 inches tall, ready to establish themselves in your garden or orchard. Pawpaws (Asimina triloba) are North America’s largest native edible fruit, often described as having a tropical, custardy flavor reminiscent of banana, mango, and pineapple. These hardy trees are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to grow unique, low-maintenance fruit that thrives in temperate climates. Ideal for creating a diverse food forest or simply enjoying fresh, homegrown fruit, these seedlings arrive dormant and leafless, signifying their readiness for planting and vigorous growth in the upcoming season. Planting pawpaw fruit trees offers not only delicious harvests but also contributes to local biodiversity, attracting native pollinators and wildlife.

Key Benefits

Choosing these pawpaw trees live for your landscape brings a multitude of advantages, enhancing both the beauty and productivity of your outdoor space. They are a fantastic investment for any fruit enthusiast or gardener seeking something truly special.

• Unique Edible Fruit: Enjoy the distinct, tropical-like flavor of pawpaw fruit, a rare treat that is difficult to find in most grocery stores. Growing your own ensures a fresh supply of this delicious, nutritious native fruit.
• Cold Hardy & Adaptable: These trees are naturally cold hardy, thriving effortlessly in USDA Zones 5-9. This resilience makes them suitable for a wide range of climates where other tropical-tasting fruits might not survive.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, pawpaw trees require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. They are generally resistant to pests and diseases.
• Ecological Value: As a native species, pawpaws support local ecosystems, providing food for wildlife and acting as a host plant for the beautiful zebra swallowtail butterfly.
• Shade Tolerance: Unlike many fruit trees, young pawpaws can tolerate partial shade, making them versatile for planting in various garden settings, including under larger trees.
• Long-Term Investment: Pawpaw trees are long-lived, providing decades of fruit production and beauty. They mature into attractive, medium-sized trees that enhance any landscape.
• Dormant for Easy Transplant: Shipped as dormant bare roots, these seedlings are in the optimal state for transplanting, minimizing shock and encouraging successful establishment in their new home.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

To ensure your pawpaw trees live and thrive, understanding their specific care requirements is crucial. These trees are relatively forgiving, but a good start will lead to stronger growth and more abundant fruit. For successful establishment of your cold hardy fruit trees, plant them in late winter or early spring while they are still dormant. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the root system without bending and deep enough so the root collar is at soil level.

Pawpaw trees prefer a site with full sun to partial shade. While young trees benefit from some afternoon shade, mature trees produce more fruit in full sun. They require deep, moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot. Consistent moisture is especially important during the first few years after planting and during fruit development. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and soil type. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced organic fertilizer in the spring after the first year. Protect young trees from strong winds and harsh sun for the first year or two, perhaps with a tree guard or temporary shade structure. Pruning is generally minimal, focusing on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain good air circulation and shape. Learning how to grow pawpaw successfully ensures a bountiful harvest for years to come.

Size & Details

This offering includes four individual bare root pawpaw seedlings, each measuring approximately 6-12 inches in height. They are shipped dormant, meaning they will have no leaves, which is the ideal state for transplanting and reduces stress on the plant. Pawpaw trees are known for their moderate growth rate, typically reaching a mature height of 15-30 feet with a spread of 15-20 feet. These trees will begin to bear fruit in about 3-5 years after planting, with full production achieved in 7-10 years. They are perfect for establishing an orchard, integrating into an edible landscape, or even as an attractive specimen tree in a large garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big do these pawpaw trees get? A: These pawpaw trees live seedlings are 6-12 inches tall upon arrival and typically mature to a height of 15-30 feet with a similar spread. Their ultimate size depends on growing conditions and pruning.
• Q: Are these an indoor or outdoor plant? A: These are outdoor fruit trees. They require exposure to seasonal changes and sunlight to thrive and produce fruit. They are not suitable for indoor cultivation.
• Q: How much sunlight do pawpaw trees need? A: Young pawpaw trees benefit from partial shade, especially in hot climates. Mature pawpaw trees, however, produce the most fruit when grown in full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, once established, pawpaw trees are considered relatively easy to care for. They are robust and generally resistant to pests and diseases, making them a good choice for gardeners of all experience levels who want to grow pawpaw.
• Q: What condition will the pawpaw trees arrive in? A: Your bare root pawpaw trees will arrive dormant, without leaves, and with their roots carefully packed to retain moisture. This is the optimal state for planting and ensures successful establishment.
• Q: When is the best time to plant these pawpaw trees? A: The best time to plant dormant bare root pawpaw trees is in late winter or early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked and after the danger of hard frost has passed.
• Q: Will these cold hardy fruit trees survive winter in my zone? A: Absolutely. These pawpaw trees are specifically chosen for their cold hardiness and will thrive in USDA Zones 5-9, easily enduring typical winter temperatures within this range.
• Q: How long until these pawpaw trees start producing fruit? A: You can typically expect your pawpaw fruit trees to begin bearing fruit in 3-5 years after planting, with full production usually achieved around 7-10 years.
• Q: What kind of soil is best for pawpaw trees? A: Pawpaw trees prefer deep, fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. They can tolerate a range of soil types but perform best in slightly acidic to neutral loamy soils.
• Q: Do I need more than one pawpaw tree for fruit production? A: Yes, for optimal fruit production, it is highly recommended to plant at least two genetically distinct pawpaw trees for cross-pollination. This set of four provides an excellent start.