Asimina triloba
Fruit & Nuts

Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

Pawpaw · Light: Partial sun · Water: Moderate. Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.

LightPartial sun
WaterModerate
DifficultyModerate
CategoryFruit & Nuts
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Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.

Pawpaw — Growing reference

Scientific nameAsimina triloba
First harvest or flowering (days)2190–3650
Measured fromTransplant
Plant spacing (cm)304.8–609.6
Mature height (cm)304.8–914.4
Mature spread (cm)243.8–609.6
USDA hardiness zones5–9
LightPartial sun
WaterModerate
Sowing methodTransplant

Growing directions

Pawpaws require two genetically distinct seedlings or named cultivars for cross-pollination; hand-pollinating flowers with a small brush greatly improves fruit set. Young trees need shade for the first one to two seasons — plant under a light canopy or use a shade cloth — but mature trees prefer full sun to fruit well. The taproot makes transplanting difficult, so use container-grown stock and disturb roots as little as possible. Fruit ripens in late summer to fall and goes from firm to custardy-soft within days; refrigerate immediately after picking as shelf life is very short.

Source and local conditions

Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.

OpenPlantDB · pawpaw

Source & verification

OpenPlantDB · CC0

Open reference source ↗