Description
KSU Chappell is a pawpaw grown for presence. From the size of the fruit to the richness of the flesh, it’s a cultivar that doesn’t feel restrained. When fully ripe, the fruit opens to a thick, custardy interior with tropical sweetness that leans toward banana, mango, and pineapple. There’s a lot of substance here—big scoops of smooth pulp with very little in the way of distraction when you cut it open. Chappell ripens mid-season within pawpaw varieties and brings a sense of abundance when it’s in its stride.
For growers who want a pawpaw that feels substantial in the hand and indulgent on the spoon, this one delivers.
Overview
- Named pawpaw cultivar selected for large, fleshy fruit
- Thick, custard-like texture with rich tropical flavor
- Mid-season within pawpaw varieties; late summer to early fall depending on region
- Strong pulp-to-seed balance
- Requires cross-pollination for consistent fruit set
Growing Details
Latin Name: Asimina triloba ‘KSU Chappell’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Chill Requirement: Not typically expressed in chill hours for pawpaws; best performance in temperate regions with warm summers
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zone 5
Rootstock: Grafted onto pawpaw rootstock
Bearing Age: 3–5 years after planting
Size at Maturity: Typically 15–25 ft tall and wide; can be maintained smaller with pruning
Bloom Time: Mid-spring
Ripening Time: Mid-season within pawpaw varieties; late summer into early fall (varies by region)
Fruit Weight: Up to ~16 oz (reported). More commonly ~8–12 oz per fruit (varies by site, crop load, and season)
Seed Content: Approximately ~6% by weight (varies by season)
Texture Class: Thick, custardy; dense and creamy at full ripeness
Pollination: Pollination required; plant a genetically distinct pawpaw within 20–30 feet
Pests & Diseases: Generally low disease pressure under good airflow and moisture management
Yield: Good once established with proper pollination
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Chappell is a variety that feels generous—big fruit, rich texture, and a lot of usable pulp when harvested at full softness.
- Regional Insight: In cool-summer regions like the Puget Sound, planting in as much sun as possible supports stronger growth and better fruit sizing.
- Harvest only when fruit is fully ripe; underripe pawpaws won’t develop their best texture or flavor.
- Fruit is delicate and highly perishable—handle gently and plan to use or process soon after harvest.
- Explore more pawpaw varieties in our collection: Pawpaw Trees
