Growing Pawpaws

Sheri Crabtree, Kentucky State University Horticulture Research and Extension Associate teaches about PawPaw trees including variety recommendations, planting, pruning, and care.
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:45 - What is a Pawpaw?
2:22 - When does a pawpaw flower?
4:15 - Where should I grow pawpaws?
5:15 - Pawpaws in the wild
6:22 - Ways to maximize fruit production
8:21 - Planting Pawpaws
11:48 - Pruning
14:31 - Disease
16:03 - Insects
17:59 - Pests
19:07 - Seeds
21:11 - Graft
23:18 - Cultivars
24:11 - Ksu Benson
24:28 - Ksu Chapelle
24:51 - Other varieties
25:50 - Nurseries
26:10 - Harvesting
27:05 - Picking
27:32 - Freezing
29:37 - Where to buy
30:26 - Pop-up Growers
31:13 - Papa Fruit
31:27 - Papa Icecream
31:57 - Papa Jam
32:23 - Pawpaw Day
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[@yaddahaysmarmalite4059]

So glad y'all are researching pawpaws.

[@39coolbeans39]

Much appreciated look forward to hearing more

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Thank you.

[@TheBestThingscom]

Fantastic presentation!

[@someonewhoknows1891]

I really wanna grow pawpaw on my small homestead! Thank you for your information. I listen to the entire thing and really just learn so much you really did an incredibly thorough job and I applaud your presentation

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Our pleasure!

[@trishaplescia9234]

well done Sheri! i've started some trees in northern IL, looking forward to getting some fruit one day. thanks for info

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Good luck!

[@ChatO-xo8ze]

Ahh, I hope it grows well. Im in IL also and I hope to grow one!

[@AncientHippie]

I had these at my last house for 15+ years when we moved I took dozens of seeds and planted them at my new house. Got 8 trees growing. One mistake I made is I didn't know a young tree needs to be shaded. And with the deer rubbing, I get 3 ft tall chicken wire, cut the width to form a piece 2x the diameter of the trunk and just hang it with string from low branches. Never had deer damage to any tree protected with that.

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Great tips. Thank you.

[@afwife182]

This is super informative. In IL and currently have 3 planted in my fruit orchard. Thank you for all the info.

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Glad it was helpful!

[@av1421]

@@HorticultureWebinarWednesday I would like some seeds of PawPaws!

[@ChatO-xo8ze]

Where did you buy the plant? I am also in IL and would love to grow one!

[@afwife182]

@Chat8750 O we got 1 from starks nursery online, fast growing trees and 1 other online I can't remember which. Had them all shipped. All 3 are doing good. I've added another and hopefully she does good too 🙏

[@av1421]

@@afwife182 Three years on and mine are still same size/sapling level....it is slow growing tree for me for sure.

[@gaywizard2000]

Very informative. I live in Southern British Columbia zone 6b and have ordered a few varieties from Ontario. They are not common in Western Canada to say the least! I'm also a Kentucky Coffee tree enthusiast! Thank you KSU! I enjoyed the uses/recipes part too!

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

So nice of you

[@SimpleTanks]

This is fanatic thank you.

[@10putty]

Good stuff.

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Thanks!

[@Thankful_.]

Excellent info!! Thank you!

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Awesome. Thank you.

[@rainesreelandchoreo3863]

great video! I live outside Albany, NY and have a couple mature trees and get tons of fruit every year. They are the best.

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Totally agree!

[@johnthompson2565]

What variety ? Would you be willing to send me a couple seeds? I live in NE Wisconsin.

[@caseybielen7169]

@@johnthompson2565 have you had any luck? I’m in south central Wisconsin and looking to get some pawpaws growing!

[@wildangel6177]

Hello from Austria! Thank you so much for sharing this vlog! Pawpaw is our favorite fruit from our garden, we have 2 trees and planning to add 2 more trees!

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Thanks for visiting

[@alsproul]

Super informative, thank you so much!

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Glad it was helpful!

[@777dragonborn]

We used to call them Hillbilly bananas . because the only place pawpaw's grew were was in the mountains .

[@midwestribeye7820]

This was very interesting! I live in northern Iowa and it's a Bucket List to try a Pawpaw. It's been difficult to find trees near me.

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

I have the same problem in my county. You might consider mail order. Here is a list of nurseries (mostly eastern US) that ship fruit trees. It also has the recommended varieties listed. This may be one option: www.uky.edu/hort/sites/www.uky.edu.hort/files/documents/HortFact_3002_2020.pdf Thanks for watching.

[@nunyadeelings8292]

Had the same issue. Ordered online and got an 8" seedling and 6 seeds. Did find a relatively nearby farm for them afterwards (im at the VERY edge of their natural range) I'll check that out within the next few weeks to see if i can catch some late fruit. Expecting the best fruit/plants from an in person vendor.

[@TarpeianRock]

Thank you for this very complete pawpaw overview. Growing them in Belgium btw.

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Our pleasure! Best of luck.

[@AntidoteStar]

I have a pawpaw tree. Volunteer with mo botanical gardens. This tree is so tall and have had no fruit. And it’s at least 20 years old. I want some more pollen…

[@strategicprepper2648]

Thanks. This video is very helpful. I have 5 trees, 3 varieties. Looking forward to when they produce.

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Good luck!

[@TheGratefulGarden]

Man I really really wish I could be apart of that research program!!!

[@gobbism]

Comprehensive! Of course! I do wish that someone would redo the native range map because my research indicates that they used to be common in some highly industrialized areas in the past, including the Allegheny River valley in western Pennsylvania.

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

I'll pass your comment on to the speaker. She might like to know that info. Thank you.

[@thehillsidegardener3961]

Good stuff, I live in Southern Europe, obviously NOT their natural range but a very few people are growing them and selling seedlings (not named varieties as far as I know). One guy sent me some seedlings, plus a fruit he had grown, first time I'd tried it, it's not like they can be flown over! Planted a few seeds and one survived, the seedlings I bought I planted basically in the full shade of some apple trees which I hope they will outgrow and outlive. They seem to have done ok so far in our hot summers, although two seedlings died right back last summer in the heat, only to resprout this year! I've got high hopes, I'm always trying to grow interesting non-native things, I get bored of cherries, plums and apples!

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Thanks for watching. Good luck with your trees.

[@gradyconnor2636]

I want to grow them here in western North Carolina

[@piotrwojdelko1150]

I planted in Poland two varietes .Zimerman is well -known Do you know about cold resistance of Jaspis varietety ? It has a pink flesh.I live in zone 7

[@traceydurant817]

I have been trying for years to figure out why my over one hundred pawpaws do not produce fruit. Now I know! Thank you for discussions the "suckers" or "runners". That makes so much sense. I am digging up most of them this year and ordering new ones through my extension office. Bless you!

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

So glad we could help.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

so what was the answer as to why and can you do anything about it?

[@traceydurant817]

@@ARCSTREAMS Apparently, Pawpaws send out dozens of runners that are very difficult to propagate. So they need to be either removed or new trees need to be planted for pollination.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

@@traceydurant817 i dont understand the term "runners" im new to all this can you please explain with more laymen term details

[@traceydurant817]

@@ARCSTREAMS runners, or also commonly known as suckers, are shoots that come up from the root system of the main tree. So they would all have the same genetic code meaning that they could not pollinate each other. Willows and silver maples are famous for this. One tree can make hundreds of little trees. With pawpaw's, while they are beautiful to look at, they cannot produce fruit. So you have to introduce a new tree.

[@bobvance3277]

I live very near the NE shore of Lake Michigan, well north of the native range of the tree. 3 years ago I planted two pawpaw trees (1-2 foot from a farm in the mid portion of the Lower Peninsula that has an orchard... it is north of the native range in Michigan as well) in partially shaded area of my yard that stays moist. They have done well and this year I have flower buds on one of the trees. We get heavy snow in the winter which acts as a natural mulch and I have had success with a number of plants that are not supposed to establish this far north... the lake moderates the cold as well. I also thought with climate change it might be a good thing to try them this far north. Interesting.. there are two root suckers off the larger of the two trees already.

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Thanks for sharing. Microclimates like you are describing can really help stretch the range of plants sometimes. Glad its working for you.

[@caseybielen7169]

Hey bob, Do you recall the nursery you ordered from? I’m looking to get sone pawpaws growing in 5A south central Wisconsin. Thank you!

[@thomasashe2681]

How well would they grow in a 5 gallon bucket?

[@pauldodson2018]

Dear Director of Research Sherri Crabtree, I cannot find any reference to when one will see the fruit on paw paws emerge. I did find a huge patch but as of now (August 15th) NO paw paws! I would assume that I would see some by now......... yes? Thank you.-Paul

[@sarahanonymous1036]

So i'd recently ordered three paw paws, before learning how difficult & sensitive they can be to transplant. Now I'm worried lol. I have pretty dense clay soil up here in SC, & have been told that growing it 'on top' or mounding would be the best option. But I don't know what that entails. I don't know how much soil or compost et al i'd need or how many inches off the grow it needs to be (as i assume it has slightly different needs to other trees.) Or if it's possible to 'overfertilize.' And would it be bad to use native soil that has been loosened & somewhat amended for the mound, or are there things in it that could pose a threat? Same with the mulch i've got on my property in some woods, i.e. leaves and decaying wood etc. I've seen those tiny little tree guards, the white spirals that go around the stem, & i wonder if that would harm the bark over time? sorry for the hundreds of questions, i just really don't want to end up killing all three trees. It would be a major bummer lol.

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Sorry for the slow response. I hope your pawpaws are still doing okay. I wanted to send you this link for more info on how to care for your pawpaws. I think it will answer many of your questions: www.kysu.edu/academics/college-acs/school-of-ace/pawpaw/index.php

[@ll3174]

I live in San Antonio Texas just bought two paw paws, looks like they will tolerate our cold but how about the heat and scorching sun my tree are about 19 in tall in a 51/2 in sm plastic pot it’s August now so I was planning to wait till March or February next year so it gets more months (8) to start establishing roots. I’m hesitant if I should wait till next year because I’ve heard their roots are very delicate so I just want to do it once but I’m thinking it might cause root bound which I think will also kill it if I mess with roots. Please What advise can you give?

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Pawpaws in the deep south, or hot dry areas like the southwest, do better with part (afternoon) shade. In this situation I would recommend planting in the fall (November is a good time). Farther north it is better to plant in the spring, but fall planting is ok farther south. It is in a pretty small pot for its above ground size, so it would be better to get it in the ground as soon as possible. Until planting, keep the potted tree in the shade and water it regularly. Sheri Crabtree Horticulture Research and Extension Associate Kentucky State University Land Grant Program

[@bingbongtoysKY]

👏👏👏

[@cb9494]

I live in zone 9a in Louisiana. By looking at chilling hour maps, I estimate that I get approximately 400 chilling hours. Are there certain varieties that require the least amount if chilling hours?

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

CB - I have tried a few times to get an answer for you but I think you are going to struggle getting cultivars to work for you. You might try contacting the nurseries listed in our publication and see if they have experience with other nurseries in your area that know of pawpaws that will work: www.uky.edu/hort/sites/www.uky.edu.hort/files/documents/HortFact_3002_2020.pdf

[@murglo1marais]

How to grow castard apple

[@kingjames4886]

interesting fruit. too cold for them here :/

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Thanks for watching anyway.

[@janet6421]

I live in Virginia zone 6b I ordered American Banana and Asimina Triloba bare roots 6-12 inches. Do you have any advice for where to plant and how to care for them? Another youtuber said that I should keep them 80% shade for the first year, 50% for the second, 20% for the third and full sun after that.

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

The experts at growing pawpaw trees is Kentucky State University. They have a lot of information on their website: www.kysu.edu/academics/college-acs/school-of-ace/pawpaw/index.php This would be a great place to explore resources.

[@grizenium]

Can Paw Paw trees be grown in Hawaii?

[@willavantonder6590]

Can someone help us here in south africa to find seedlings or seed of this type of pawpaw

[@brianhina8538]

Can I grow Paw Paws in tree shelters to keep the deer from browsing?

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

That can be a challenging issue. Barriers are usually the best option. This publication has suggestions on barriers and other options: extension.psu.edu/white-tailed-deer-in-home-fruit-plantings. You might also watch our video on deer management: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV7Se4mKmMl1ZpI Hope this helps.

[@sarahschuck2474]

Where can I get scion wood of known cultivars? I am a small nursery and have several customers requesting them. Thank you…

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

I would recommend looking at this website. Lots of sources for Pawpaw plants: www.kysu.edu/academics/college-acs/school-of-ace/pawpaw/index.php

[@billastell3753]

I'm up in central Ontario north of Toronto. Anyone have any suggestions what variety could survive up here? Our climate zone would be similar to USDA zone 4.

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Pawpaws are generally only hardy to Zone 5. However NC-1 was selected for Ontario and may be your best bet. You can see all the cultivars and where to purchase at the Kentucky State University website: www.kysu.edu/academics/college-acs/school-of-ace/pawpaw/2009-pawpaw-cultivars-and-grafted-tree-sources.php Hope that helps you.

[@billastell3753]

@@HorticultureWebinarWednesday Thank you for that information. I don't know if we can bring plants in from the USA though. I will check out the web site. Cheers!

[@noahsman]

did you find info for ontario?

[@ARCSTREAMS]

hello, if i take the seeds from one fruit pod and plant just one seed is there still chance to get any fruit? would planting all seeds increase chances and if so how does cross pollination actually work does it have to happen outdoor after the saplings or young trees are strong enough to be planted outside?

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Yes, you can grow pawpaws from seed. This factsheet gives the specifics: www.kysu.edu/academics/college-acs/school-of-ace/pawpaw/pawpaw-planting-guide.php Cross pollination would occur once it is planted outdoors and reaches a flowering stage (usually around year 7). Then cross pollination would occur between two trees via a pollinator like bees. I hope that helps.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

@@HorticultureWebinarWednesday thank you but can i use just the seeds from the same fruit pod and have those grow and cross pollinate?

[@thehillsidegardener3961]

​@@ARCSTREAMSYes, you should be able to, each seed should be genetically unique because each would have come from an ovum fertilised by a different pollen grain, potentially from a different plant, though I couldn't say what the likelihood is of getting clones from seeds. In any case they take a looong while to mature from seed so in any case it's worth buying trees as well, as backup.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

thanks , what do you mean by getting clones from the same fruit seed? also do you know if they start getting picked and sold by farmers around this time of the year end of sept or is it too late? im asking about my region in niagara falls @@thehillsidegardener3961

[@javed0124]

Can I buy any small 3-5 feet tree you

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

We don't actually sell trees but here is a link to pawpaw tree providers you might find helpful. www.kysu.edu/academics/college-acs/school-of-ace/pawpaw/licensed-propagators-for-kentucky-state-university-trademarked-pawpaw-cultivars.php

[@johnbranconi9053]

Is it 100% certain, that if the fruit was frozen for a short while, the seeds would not be viable?

[@HorticultureWebinarWednesday]

Everything I can find on the subject says if the seeds freeze (for a just a moment or long period) the seed will not sprout. Same goes for dessication or drying out of the seed. I don't have any personal experience on this though.

[@philipoulton7730]

Glyphosate? WTAF? KSU is well-known for their pawpaw cultivars, but you lost all credibility with me when you suggested Round-Up.... then Miracle Grow? What next Neonicotenoids? Krike!

[@travismorgan9273]

Do you buy stuff at the grocery store that isn’t organic?

[@shawnsg]

Just because you've been told something is "evil" doesn't mean it is.