Description
Tallahatchie™ is Neal Peterson’s seventh released pawpaw cultivar, selected with a clear focus on eating quality and flesh yield. Among named pawpaws, it’s known for combining large fruit with notably low seed content and a smooth, refined texture.
When fully ripe, the fruit develops a silky, spoonable consistency and a sweet flavor profile often described as mellow and floral rather than loud or overpowering. This makes Tallahatchie™ especially well suited to fresh eating and dessert-style uses, including custards and pawpaw ice cream.
Fruit size is commonly reported around a 9 oz average, and seed content is reported in the ~5–6% range by weight—placing it firmly in the high usable-flesh category among named cultivars. Ripening is generally described as mid to late season within pawpaw varieties, and like most pawpaws, Tallahatchie™ performs best when cross-pollinated.
Overview
- Peterson-bred pawpaw selected for eating quality and flesh yield
- Large fruit, commonly reported around 9 oz
- Low seed content, reported ~5–6% by weight
- Silky, custard-style texture at full ripeness
- Mid to late within pawpaw varieties
- Pollination required; plant a compatible variety within 20–30 feet
Growing Details
Latin Name: Asimina triloba ‘Tallahatchie™’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil with consistent moisture
Chill Requirement: Not expressed in chill hours for pawpaws; requires a temperate climate 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; manageable with light pruning
Bloom Time: Mid-season (varies by region)
Ripening Time: Mid to late within pawpaw varieties; typically Sept 10–Sept 25 in Frankfort, KY (varies by region)
Fruit Weight: Commonly reported around 9 oz per fruit
Seed Content: Reported ~5–6% seed by weight
Texture Class: Smooth custard; silky, spoonable at full 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: Reliable producer once established
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Tallahatchie™ stands out when judged at true ripeness—soft, fragrant fruit reveals its smooth texture and clean, refined sweetness.
- Regional Insight: In cooler-summer regions like the Puget Sound, plant pawpaws in as much sun as possible to support strong growth and consistent fruit finishing.
- Breeding Background: Developed by Neal Peterson and named after the Tallahatchie River, continuing his focus on improved flesh yield and eating quality.
- Thin heavy clusters if needed to improve fruit size and even ripening.
- Explore more pawpaw varieties in our collection:
