After preparing your garden for spring, you might be considering adding new plants and trees. If you’re interested in an easy-to-grow fruit tree, the pawpaw might be on your list. One of its greatest advantages, as noted by Tiffany Selvey, Onions Australia’s garden editor and resident master gardener, is its adaptability: “Pawpaw trees are native to the eastern part of North America, making them well-suited to various growing conditions.” Although these native trees are known for being low-maintenance and producing sweet fruit, there are key considerations for optimal results.
Pawpaws come in different varieties, with some growing quite large. Therefore, it’s important to check the mature size on the tree’s label. While pawpaws can thrive in almost any light condition, they are more particular about soil quality. Selvey explained to Onions Australia, “Pawpaws produce small, reddish-purple flowers in spring, which are pollinated to yield mature fruit in summer or fall, depending on the location.”
Though not particularly ornamental, pawpaws offer “tremendous benefits to wildlife and serve as the host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly.” They also provide adequate shade in small areas, offering numerous reasons to incorporate this native tree into your yard’s ecosystem.
Selecting Your Pawpaw
When choosing a tree for your garden, it’s crucial to understand its requirements. Although pawpaws are generally low-maintenance, there are several factors to consider. Light requirements are usually not a concern, as Selvey mentioned to Onions Australia, “Pawpaws are understory trees that can tolerate anything from deep shade to full sun.” Their adaptability makes them suitable for most gardens.
Regarding soil conditions, pawpaws have specific preferences. The ideal soil for these trees is “slightly acidic and moist yet well-draining.” Remember, you’ll need ample space for these trees as they are not self-pollinating, so you’ll need at least two.
Choose a variety with the appropriate mature height and width for your space. “Some grow over 50 feet tall, but most remain under 25 feet,” Selvey noted. For best results, plant them about 15 feet away from buildings and other trees. If space is limited, consider one of these 15 dwarf fruit trees instead.
Planting Your Pawpaw
After selecting the appropriate pawpaw variety for your yard, it’s time to get to work. Although planting pawpaws isn’t particularly challenging, tree planting does require a significant amount of digging. As Tiffany Selvey said, “Pawpaw trees don’t have any special planting needs. Dig a hole deep enough so the soil line of the tree is level with the ground, and twice as wide as the root ball.”
According to Selvey’s exclusive advice for Onions Australia readers, “Late fall, when the tree is dormant, is the best time to plant pawpaw trees. However, they’re resilient enough to be planted at almost any time of year when it’s not extremely cold or hot and dry.” For those seeking more of a challenge, consider trying other uncommon fruit trees in your garden.
With pawpaws, digging is the most labor-intensive task. Once this is complete, Selvey advises, “Amend the soil with about ⅓ compost, backfill the hole, and tamp it down.” Beyond providing suitable soil to help establish the trees after planting, you’ll need to offer additional support, like most newly planted trees. Adding a stake on each side of the tree will provide the necessary support, especially during adverse weather, until the roots are well-established.
