Description
Susquehanna™ is a Neal Peterson pawpaw selection developed to push eating quality beyond what most growers expect from the species. University data and breeder reporting align on its defining strengths: large fruit, extremely low seed percentage, and rich, satisfying flavor.
Kentucky State University describes Susquehanna as very fleshy with few seeds—around 4% of fruit weight—while Peterson’s own notes often cite seed content closer to 3%. In practice, that translates to noticeably more usable pulp per fruit than most pawpaw cultivars, with a texture that is firm enough to hold structure yet melts cleanly when fully ripe.
Grower reports consistently describe Susquehanna as sweet and rich, with strong pawpaw character. KSU also notes a practical advantage that matters in the real world: thicker skin and reduced fragility compared to many cultivars. Ripening late in the season, Susquehanna is best suited to growers who can provide warmth and sun into early fall.
Overview
- Neal Peterson breeding program selection
- Very low seed content with high pulp yield
- Large fruit with firm-but-melting custard texture
- Thicker skin and improved handling durability
- Pollination required for reliable fruit set
Growing Details
Latin Name: Asimina triloba ‘Susquehanna’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Chill Requirement: Not typically expressed in chill hours for pawpaws; performs best in temperate regions with warm summers
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5–8
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: Late within pawpaw varieties; typically Sept 22–Oct 3 in Frankfort, KY (varies by region)
Fruit Weight: Large; commonly ~6–7 oz average, with larger fruit possible (varies by season and crop load)
Seed Content: Very low; typically ~3–4% of fruit weight (varies by season and crop load)
Texture Class: Firm-but-melting custard (holds structure, then softens evenly at ripeness)
Pollination: Pollination required; plant a genetically distinct pawpaw variety within 20–30 feet
Pests & Diseases: Generally low disease pressure with good airflow and moisture management
Yield: Moderate; fewer fruit per tree, but very high pulp yield per fruit
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Susquehanna stands out immediately once you cut into it—very low seed content and thick, rich pulp make it one of the most satisfying pawpaws to eat.
- Regional Insight: As a late cultivar, Susquehanna performs best in sites with good heat and sun into early fall; warm microclimates improve finish quality.
- KSU notes thicker skin and reduced fragility compared to most pawpaw cultivars, giving Susquehanna a real handling advantage.
- Harvest only at full softness and aroma to capture the cultivar’s best texture and sweetness.
- Explore more pawpaw varieties in our collection: Pawpaw Trees
