Successful Tips For Growing Pawpaw Trees

The pawpaw tree has large leaves and a tropical look and taste. Growing your own is a rewarding experience, and with the right start, it's easier than you might think. As a nursery with over 60 years of experience, we've perfected the process of cultivating and shipping healthy trees. Here is our ultimate guide to planting and growing pawpaws.

Choosing the Perfect Location

Planting pawpaws for successful growing:

  • Sunlight: young plants thrive in shade. his mimics their natural habitat as an understory tree. However, for he best fruit production, mature trees need full sun. A good place to plant offers ample sun but might be shaded by a larger tree during the hottest part of the afternoon.
  • Soil: Pawpaws love rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Pawpaw trees prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Avoid heavy clay or areas where water stands after a rain.

 Planting Your Pawpaw Trees: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planting bare-root trees is an excellent, cost-effective way to start your pawpaw patch. The best time to plant is when the trees are dormant.

  1. Unpack and Soak: As soon as your bare root trees arrive, unpack them. It's crucial that the roots don't dry out. Soak the roots in a bucket of water for a few hours before planting, but no longer than a day.
  2. Dig the Hole: Dig you hole doublke the width as the root system and just as deep. You want the roots to have plenty of room to spread out. Do not amend the soil you backfill with; the tree needs to adapt to its native soil.
  3. Position the Tree: Place the tree in the center of the hole. The point where the trunk meets the roots (the root collar) should be level with or slightly above the surrounding ground. Planting too deep is a common mistake.
  4. Backfill and Water: Gently backfill the hole with he native soil, breaking up any large clumps. When the hole is halfway full, water it well to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Finish filling the hole, and water thoroughly again.
  5. Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of rich mulch like wood chips or compost) around the base of the tree, but be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself to prevent rot. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Care and Growth in the First Few Years

  • Watering: Consistent moisture is the most critical factor for newly established pawpaw trees. Water them deeply once or twice a week during their first growing season, especially during dry spells.
  • Fertilizing: You can provide a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring after the first year.
  • Patience is Key: Pawpaws focus their initial energy on establishing a deep taproot. You may not see explosive top growth in the first year, but rest assured, important work is happening below the ground.

With a bit of care and the right start, your pawpaw trees will soon become a beautiful and productive part of your landscape, providing delicious fruit for years to come.