Pawpaw (KSU-Atwood)

Planting & Care

Planting & Care – KSU-Atwood™ Pawpaw

What Makes Pawpaws Different

• Pawpaws develop a strong taproot early and are sensitive to root disturbance. Establishment success depends heavily on keeping the root system intact.
• Container-grown pawpaws consistently outperform bare-root plants. Bare-root pawpaws have a high failure rate and are not recommended.
• Most early pawpaw failures trace back to transplant shock, root disturbance, or inconsistent moisture—not cold.

Site Selection (Climate Matters)

• Cool-summer regions (including the Puget Sound): Pawpaws establish best when planted in as much sun as you can give them. In these climates, full sun supports stronger growth and reduces the slow, stalled establishment that frustrates many growers.
• Warm to hot-summer regions: Pawpaws still benefit from good sun exposure, but young trees may appreciate light protection from extreme afternoon heat during their first season. This is situational, not a requirement.
• Across all regions, avoid exposed wind corridors. Pawpaw leaves are large and can tear under persistent wind.

Soil Preparation

• Pawpaws prefer deep, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. They do not tolerate standing water, and they do not like drying out.
• Improve the entire planting area with compost if soil is thin or compacted—avoid digging a deep, narrow hole.
• Mulch is critical for success. It stabilizes moisture, moderates soil temperature, and supports root health.

Planting Instructions (Taproot-Safe Method)

• Plant in spring after the risk of hard freeze has passed, or in early fall where winters are mild enough for roots to continue growing.
• Dig a hole 2–3x as wide as the container, but no deeper than the root ball.
• Remove the tree from its container carefully. Do not shake soil loose or disturb roots.
• Set the tree with the root flare at or slightly above finished soil level.
• Backfill with native soil, water deeply, and apply 2–3 inches of mulch, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.
• If the tree rocks in the wind, stake it lightly. Movement can damage new root growth during establishment.

Watering & Fertilizing

• Keep soil consistently moist during the first 1–2 growing seasons. Pawpaws stall quickly if allowed to dry out while establishing.
• Once established, trees are more tolerant but still benefit from deep watering during extended dry periods.
• Fertilize lightly in spring only if growth appears weak. Excess nitrogen can do more harm than good.

Pollination (A Common Limiting Factor)

• Pawpaws are not reliably self-fertile. For consistent fruit set, plant a genetically distinct pawpaw variety within 20–30 feet.
• Primary pollinators are flies and beetles rather than bees, which means backyard trees sometimes experience light pollination.
• If flowering is good but fruit set is poor, hand pollination can dramatically improve results.

Pruning & Training

• Minimal pruning is required. Focus on removing damaged wood and maintaining a balanced structure.
• Once fruiting begins, light thinning can help prevent branch breakage.

Harvest & Use

• Harvest when fruit softens and releases easily, or collect fruit shortly after natural drop begins.
• Pawpaws bruise easily and have a short fresh-storage window—handle gently and plan to use quickly.
• Pulp freezes well and is excellent for smoothies, baking, and desserts.

General Tips

• Do not judge success by top growth alone in the first season—pawpaws often prioritize root development early.
• Consistent moisture and mulch are the two biggest predictors of establishment success.
• In cool-summer regions, more sun almost always beats more shade.