Making the Case NOT to Buy Large Pawpaw Trees

[@loriki8766]

Several years ago, I purchased a couple of 3 year old paw paws. Had no idea what I was doing. Popped them in the ground. One tree gives us more pawpaws than we can eat and the other fertilizes it and puts out a half dozen tiny pawpaws on a year. I'm looking for another tree that I plan to pop in the ground next time my husband, aka Mr. WeAreNotTurningOurLawnIntoAPawpawGrove, leaves town. Bwahahaha! I will try a younger one this time. Maybe let you know in a few years.

[@marisasanchez1699]

I’ve found that to be the case with almost every fruit tree type we’ve planted. The smaller trees adapt better overall and much less chance of dying in general. Its really never worth paying more for a large potted tree in my experience.

[@greatescapefarms]

I completely agree.

[@truefact4439]

What about if you are trying to get a zone 5 tree to grow in zone 4? I bigger potted tree has more roots and is stronger than a small tree.

[@madnessage]

@@truefact4439 the problem is in the tangled roots that are oppressed at the bottom and walls of the pot. In theory, a grow bag can help with this instead of using plastic.

[@MacAisling]

I have a 1 acre yard and I am just starting to plant a variety of fruit and nut trees. This year I’m trying to start some nuts from seed and also a few PawPaws. I have a fully enclosed but not heated porch area with large windows so I’m planting my seeds in 12 inch tree planters and letting them over-winter there with the intention of getting them in the ground next fall. Wish me luck.

[@user-ul5nv9yz7m]

Nice video! I will be planting two pawpaws in the spring. I was wondering if you have any idea of how wide the root system of a grown tree is? I have a sewer line in my backyard and want to make sure I plant the trees far away enough. Thanks!

[@QyetOne]

Reeeeally appreciating your perspective on Paw Paws, and I found your channel only a little late as I just finally got my first pair of baby trees this Spring. That said, do you have any recommendations for turning them around if they come from a source that didn't allow them to grow that great tap root already? Are you familiar with Carl Whitcomb's work with tree root development? I found his RootMaker system to actually be pretty fantastic, but it definitely favors lateral root development and I haven't seen any that give more room for the tap root development. I transitioned my adoptees immediately into smaller-ish airpruning pots of his design, but they've been in those pots for a couple months and haven't shown any sign of coming alive after the transport shock yet. They haven't dropped the leaves and they haven't shown deterioration, but they *are* a little droopy, and haven't showed signs of new growth or perking up either. They're still around the age/size you pictured in your deep pot. I wanted to give them a boost on root formation before I started planting them in the ground.

[@greatescapefarms]

I have not found any magical fixes other than just keep them well watered and hope they get enough of a root system down to sustain. I am not familiar with Carl Whitcomb's work. Good luck.

[@chugginbeers]

When started from seed, do the pawpaws taste like .other plants pawpaws? That's the main problem when not grafting or cloning.

[@shanemillard608]

I'd say this is true on all trees. Smaller is cheaper too!

[@LilTexasRose]

I am about to order some PawPaw trees from a nursery who only sells them as bare-root. They’re about 2 1/2’ to 3’ tall. What is your personal opinion on that? I have been wanting Pawpaws for a long time. I know they do great in the woods and we have about 50+ wooded acres, along with 30 open land. I’ve been planting different varieties of Apples, Plums, Peaches, Pears, Fig & Apricot and some Hazelnut. I’m making note of all the Pecan, Hickory, Persimmon, Mulberry, Black Cherry, Blackberry, Grapes, etc, throughout the farm. I’m doing everything I can to help with wildlife, help feed chickens & pigs and ourselves. 😂 Pawpaws would be a wonderful addition!!!

[@greatescapefarms]

I have grown them from bare root before. As long as they are shipped when dormant (after Halloween) then you should be fine. You may also want to check out our video on planting pawpaw: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnTLoX5pjZylb6s

[@LilTexasRose]

@@greatescapefarms Thank you for replying. I was planning on getting some this Autumn. If I could, I’d buy 2-3 dozen and have most in the woods. What species(?) would you recommend. I prefer something that is original.

[@g3nizzl3]

Do you overwinter your first year seedlings in the 4x14 tree pots?

[@truefact4439]

Good info. What's your thoughts on paw paw in zone 4?

[@EvanMorgan7]

Hey Todd, do you presprout your pawpaw seeds on a heat mat or some such in February? Or just seed them directly into the pots in a warm location like a greenhouse? I’ve never tried starting them so early, but seems like a great choice to get a little longer growing season on the 1st year seedlings

[@SilvijaSilvi]

I just sprouted around 27 seeds (they are still sprouting) from 34 total in about 2 weeks with a bottom heat and wet paper towel method. I got them stratified already from ebay seller in a very good condition. They started to sprout in about 10 days. So paw paw seeds kept properly are very viable and sprout like crazy with bottom heat. That's my experiance at least :)

[@craggall]

I want to buy grafted pawpaw trees of the best cultivars. Is it still possible to find young trees like this that are still grafted?

[@greatescapefarms]

Yes, you can find smaller trees that are grafted. There are many sources online. Most only ship in the fall or spring.

[@timbledsoe6737]

I can tell by the gravel that ground is prob extremely compact and that area looks like clay to boot

[@seussiii]

Must be other factors involved because I have 3 varieties of pawpaw that were the same size as your small tree (~10-12") and they've barely grown in height. Great leaves but very little height. Maybe an inch. This is their 3rd spring so we'll see.

[@greatescapefarms]

Mine have often times had a slow start, but with a little compost and watering during dry times they do ok (with the exception of the one noted).

[@lindabryant1174]

I live in zone five. I’ve been watching videos about how to grow paw paw trees and I’m very confused, As to where to plant my pawpaw trees. One video says they don’t like water to sit in water and another video says to plant them near water so which is it?

[@greatescapefarms]

Exactly what you stated above. Pawpaw trees do not like their roots under water or in standing water. They do however like moist soil and do not do well with dried out soil (for a long time). You can solve this problem by watering them a good bit if no body of water is around. The other solution and the one you will find most in the wild is that pawpaws grow close to streams and rivers. They are not growing IN the water or in swampy areas. They are growing close to the wet areas. In my experience they seem to do best about 4-feet above the water level (4-foot vertical - not horizontal). This way they are dry enough that the roots don't get waterlogged and rot, but the can extend their root system out to the water and get what they need. Does this answer your question?

[@hebrewhomesteadupdatewalee8303]

Thanks for the info.....

[@RustyShakleford1]

I think its because the rainwater is draining on the slope instead of settling unless your watering regularily

[@FruitTree]

Is the large tree grafted?

[@greatescapefarms]

No, it is a seedling.

[@ismailgurgel]

Could you send me some small trees? Or seeds? How can we pm each other? Please?

[@markduric7812]

That tree has too much grass pressure no mulch and a gravel path to deal with. 😮

[@greatescapefarms]

but others with the same situation are doing well.

[@CannabinatedFantasy]

pawpaws hate compaction and that tree is growing thru the driveway

[@MaekarManastorm]

When would you be putting that ( 1 yr) seedling in the ground ?

[@greatescapefarms]

I'll be planting mine this fall. Fall is the best time to plant most plants and is also a time when I have a little more bandwidth to plant things for myself.

[@MaekarManastorm]

@@greatescapefarms thanks !

[@greatescapefarms]

@@MaekarManastorm You are most welcome.