Overview

Bring a taste of native North America to your garden with this vibrant paw paw tree live plant. This 1-year-old Asimina triloba tree is a unique and rewarding addition for any fruit enthusiast or gardener looking for something different. Known for its delicious, custard-like fruit, the pawpaw tree is a resilient and beautiful specimen that thrives in various conditions. Our young plants are carefully nurtured to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to establish in your landscape, offering the promise of future harvests of this extraordinary fruit. The pawpaw tree for sale here is a fantastic opportunity to grow a piece of American horticultural history.

The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is North America’s largest native edible fruit tree, producing distinctive, tropical-flavored fruits that are often compared to a blend of banana, mango, and pineapple. This deciduous tree is not only prized for its delicious fruit but also for its attractive foliage and unique maroon flowers in spring. Growing a pawpaw tree live plant allows you to enjoy the entire lifecycle of this fascinating species, from its early growth to its eventual fruit production. It’s a low-maintenance option for those seeking an unusual yet rewarding fruit-bearing tree.

Key Benefits

Adding a paw paw tree live plant to your garden offers a range of benefits, from delicious fruit to ecological value. These plants are a wonderful investment for any home orchard or edible landscape:

• Unique Edible Fruit: Enjoy the sweet, creamy, tropical-flavored pawpaw fruit, a rare treat not typically found in grocery stores. Growing your own ensures a fresh supply of this nutritious and delicious native delicacy.
• Native & Hardy: As a native North American tree, the Asimina triloba is well-adapted to local climates, making it a robust and relatively easy-to-grow option for many regions. It contributes to local biodiversity.
• Attractive Landscape Addition: Beyond its fruit, the pawpaw tree features attractive, elongated leaves that turn a beautiful yellow in the fall, adding ornamental value to your garden. Its unique bell-shaped flowers in spring are also a point of interest.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, pawpaw fruit trees require minimal care, making them suitable for both experienced gardeners and those new to fruit tree cultivation. They are generally resistant to most pests and diseases.
• Supports Local Wildlife: The pawpaw tree serves as a host plant for the zebra swallowtail butterfly larvae, contributing to local ecosystems and attracting beneficial insects to your garden.
• Shade Tolerance: Unlike many fruit trees, young pawpaws tolerate partial shade, making them versatile for various garden settings, especially as understory plants.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your paw paw tree live plant is straightforward, especially once it’s established. Pawpaws prefer a site with good drainage and fertile soil. While young trees benefit from some shade, particularly in hot climates, mature trees produce more fruit in full sun. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Amend the soil with compost to provide a rich growing medium. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Water thoroughly after planting.

For optimal growth, provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells and in the first few years after planting. Pawpaws prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0). They are hardy in USDA Zones 5-8, tolerating cold winters and hot summers. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once the tree is established. Pruning is generally minimal, focusing on removing dead or crossing branches to maintain good air circulation and shape. Young asimina triloba tree specimens may appear dormant during winter months, which is normal.

Protection from deer and other wildlife may be necessary for young trees. While pawpaws are resilient, ensuring proper spacing (around 15-20 feet apart) is crucial for mature trees to allow for good air circulation and light penetration. Consider planting at least two different genetic varieties for better cross-pollination and fruit production, as many pawpaws are not self-fertile. Consistent care will ensure your pawpaw fruit tree thrives and produces abundant harvests.

Size & Details

This offering is for one paw paw tree live plant, approximately 1 year old, and standing 6 to 12 inches tall. It arrives potted in a quart-sized container, providing a well-developed root system ready for transplanting into your garden. Pawpaw trees typically have a moderate growth rate, reaching mature heights of 15-20 feet with a similar spread, though some can grow taller. Expect your plant to establish quickly in suitable conditions, with fruit production beginning in 3-5 years from planting, depending on growing conditions and variety.

The plant will be shipped in its active growing phase or dormant during cooler months, depending on the season, ensuring it arrives in the best possible condition for successful planting. This size is ideal for easy handling and provides a young tree that will quickly adapt to its new environment. The ultimate size and yield of your asimina triloba tree will depend on local conditions and ongoing care.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: This paw paw tree live plant is currently 6-12 inches tall. Mature pawpaw trees typically reach heights of 15-20 feet with a similar spread, though they can vary based on growing conditions and pruning.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: The plant is shipped in a quart-sized nursery pot, providing a healthy root system ready for transplanting into your garden.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The pawpaw tree is an outdoor plant, best suited for planting directly in the ground in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8. While young plants can be temporarily kept indoors, they require outdoor conditions for long-term health and fruit production.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: Young pawpaw tree for sale specimens prefer partial shade, especially in hot climates. Mature trees thrive and produce more fruit in full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight per day).
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, once established, pawpaw trees are relatively low-maintenance. They are hardy and resistant to many common pests and diseases, making them a good choice for various gardeners.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your paw paw tree live plant will arrive carefully packaged to ensure its health. It will be in a quart pot with its root ball intact, ready for planting.
• Q: Can I use pawpaw fruit in cooking? A: Absolutely! Pawpaw fruit is delicious eaten fresh, and its creamy, tropical flavor makes it excellent for pies, custards, ice cream, smoothies, and other desserts.
• Q: How long until it blooms? A: Pawpaw trees typically begin blooming and producing fruit 3-5 years after planting, depending on their age when planted and growing conditions.
• Q: When is the best time to plant? A: The best time to plant your asimina triloba tree is in early spring or fall, allowing the roots to establish before extreme summer heat or winter cold.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: This pawpaw tree is hardy in USDA Zones 5-8, meaning it can withstand winter temperatures in these regions. It is dormant during winter.