Growing the American Paw Paw

Do you enjoy the taste of tropical fruit? You can get a taste of the tropics right here in the United States with the American Paw Paw. This often over-looked fruit tree produces clusters of up to 9 fruits from a single flower. The oval-shaped fruits are thin-skinned and range in size from 3 to 6 inches in length. The fruit tastes like vanilla custard before it is fully ripe, and then takes on a distinctive banana custard flavor when fully ripe. If you’re looking to create an edible landscape for your home, the paw paw tree should be on your list of plants to add.

How to Grow Paw Paws

Paw Paws require a lot of care their first year, but can survive almost carefree from their second year on. There are two types that can be purchased – seedlings and grafted trees. Grafted trees are a little easier to grow because they usually have a well-developed root system. Seedlings are usually sold in 3 or 4-inch pots, and because of their size they will need a lot of attention at first. It is important to keep the ground around the new trees moist, but not soaking wet, especially during extended periods of heat or drought. Some nurseries provide a light filter for their youngest paw paw trees so they aren’t subject to the heat of direct sunlight during the first year.

During the second year you may use a liquid or granular fertilizer in the spring, then provide full, unfiltered sunlight to the trees and water as needed. Again, be careful to not let the young trees dry out during periods of high heat or drought while they're becoming established.

Depending upon maturity, the tree will begin to flower and produce fruit between the third and fourth years. The fruit will ripen between late August and October, depending upon your hardiness zone.

Generally, grafted trees will fruit between 3 and 5 years, while potted seedlings take 4 to 8 years to reach maturity.