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VIRIAR
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North America's largest native edible fruit tree with delicious tropical-flavored fruit
Asimina triloba, commonly known as the Pawpaw or American Pawpaw, is a deciduous fruit tree native to the eastern United States. It is the largest edible fruit native to North America and belongs to the Annonaceae family, which also includes the tropical custard apples. The Pawpaw tree typically grows 4 to 9 meters (13 to 30 feet) tall, featuring large, tropical-looking leaves that can reach up to 30 cm (12 inches) in length.
The tree produces unique, maroon-colored flowers in the spring, which give way to greenish-brown, oblong fruits resembling a mango. The fruits have a creamy texture and a flavor often described as a mix between banana, mango, and melon. Pawpaw fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them both delicious and nutritious.
Optimal Exposure: Asimina triloba thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, especially when young, it produces the best fruit yields when grown in full sun. In its natural habitat, pawpaw often grows as an understory tree, adapting well to varied light conditions.
Climate Zones: The Pawpaw tree prefers temperate climates and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from cold winters to hot summers. However, it requires a certain number of chilling hours during the winter to produce fruit effectively, making it ideal for areas with distinct seasons.
Soil Preference: Asimina triloba prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). It grows well in loamy or sandy soils enriched with organic matter. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, the most common problem with pawpaw cultivation.
Irrigation Protocol: The Pawpaw tree requires consistent moisture, especially during its first few years of growth. It prefers deep, well-drained soils and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Plant the Pawpaw tree in a sunny or partially shaded location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the tree in the hole, making sure the root collar is level with the ground. Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Space trees 4-6 meters apart for mature growth.
Fertilize Asimina triloba with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer. Organic compost or well-rotted manure can also be applied to enrich the soil. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can promote leaf growth at the expense of fruit production. Follow package instructions for recommended rates.
Prune the Pawpaw tree in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to shape the tree. Minimal pruning is needed as the tree naturally forms an attractive, open shape. Protect the tree from strong winds, as the large leaves can be damaged. Keep the area around the base weed-free.
Collection & Stratification: Asimina triloba is commonly propagated from seeds. Harvest seeds from ripe fruits and plant them immediately, as they lose viability quickly when dried. Stratify the seeds by placing them in a moist medium and refrigerating them for 90-120 days. After stratification, sow the seeds in pots with a well-draining potting mix and keep them in a warm, sunny location. Germination can take several weeks to months. Be patient and maintain consistent moisture.
Commercial Production: Pawpaw trees can also be propagated through grafting to ensure desirable fruit characteristics. Scions from a mature, fruit-bearing tree are grafted onto rootstock. This method is often used in commercial cultivation to produce uniform and high-quality fruit, as it guarantees true-to-type specimens and earlier fruit production compared to seed-grown plants.
Premier Provider of Exceptional Exotic and Rare Seeds Worldwide
Specializing in authentic, carefully cultivated specimens selected with meticulous precision and unwavering commitment to quality excellence. All trees are professionally grown, healthy, and ready for immediate establishment.
Bringing tropical paradise to gardens across 190+ countries
At VIRIAR, we specialize in delivering premium tropical plants, exotic palms, and rare seeds from our nursery in Topoľníky, Slovakia to plant enthusiasts worldwide. Every shipment is carefully packaged with phytosanitary certificates and expert care instructions to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive.
We've perfected the art of shipping live tropical plants internationally. Each plant is bare-rooted, wrapped in protective materials, and shipped with moisture-retaining packaging. Our plants are quarantine-certified and come with all necessary documentation for customs clearance.
Real-time tracking from our nursery in Slovakia to your doorstep anywhere in the world
Professional bare-root prep, moisture control, protective wrapping for long journeys.
Official EU certificates and health inspections for international transport.
Track plants from nursery to doorstep with real-time updates.
Weather monitoring and insulated packaging for temperature protection.
Detailed planting instructions and aftercare tips included.
100% alive arrival promise or free replacement.