Whether you spell it as paw-paw, paw paw, or pawpaw, the fact is that it is quite an easy tree to grow, which also bears tasty fruits. Pawpaws are one of the largest edible fruit trees that you can add to your surroundings. Native to North America, these trees thrive well in temperate climates; however, you will not find them near beaches and coasts.
The tree is scientifically known as Asimina Triloba, which belongs to the Annonaceae plant family, and is quite famous among gardeners because of its dark green foliage. Ripe pawpaws are ready to be eaten whenever you want to, and a single bite of this fruit will leave a long-lasting taste in your mouth. It is quite easy to know when the fruit has turned ripe, as its flesh will turn soft and it will be ready to fall from the tree. Now, if you are also interested in planting a Paw Paw tree, then this guide will make sure that you have all the correct instructions related to the same.
Planting And Care Instructions for A Pawpaw Tree
The landscape required to plant a Pawpaw tree is versatile, as it can grow anywhere from Canada, Florida and Nebraska to Oklahoma. You do not need to worry about planting conditions, as it can grow well in both full sun and deep shade. However, when your tree is young, it will need protection against the scorching heat of the sun. As pawpaws grow naturally in the forest, they do well in areas that are near lakes and streams in rich, well-drained, and fertile soil.
If you are planting the tree near your home, then you should plant it at least 10 feet away from your patio and sewer lines, and you can also include a second variety of pawpaw if you want pollination. Bees, beetles, and even flies can assist in the pollination of pawpaws. It is also recommended to get pawpaws from a grower, rather than transplanting one from the wild.
Light
Even though Pawpaw trees can grow in shade, they will not bear a lot of fruit, which is why you should plant your trees in partial shade, as too much sunlight can also harm the leaves of the tree. Find a way to block direct sunlight if you have planted the tree in direct sunlight.
Soil
You should create a soil mix that is well-draining, fertile, and has a pH between 5.5 and 7. The only soil that you should avoid for planting pawpaws is heavy clay. The addition of compost can also enhance the quality of the soil and its overall health, which motivates the tree to bear good paw paw fruit.
Water
Young trees need frequent watering within the first year to ensure that they are properly established; however, like other plants, even Pawpaw is not a fan of overwatering. You should make sure that the soil around a paw paw tree remains moist.
How To Grow Pawpaws From Seed
Although pawpaw seedlings can be produced from seed, they require stratification, or exposure to cold temperatures, in order to sprout. To grow pawpaw seeds, follow these steps:
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After picking a ripe fruit, rinse the seeds in water after removing them from the pulp. Keep the seeds from drying out.
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Put the seeds and wet sphagnum moss in a plastic bag that can be sealed. Keep them for at least 60 days and up to 120 days in a cool place, such as your refrigerator or a protected outdoor area. When seeds are exposed to temperatures between 35° and 45° F, they germinate well.
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In a container with potting soil that drains properly, plant the seeds 3/4 to 1 inch deep. To promote germination, keep the soil moist and put the pot in a warm location.
In the fall, seeds can also be sown directly in the garden if you would rather let nature do its thing. Since seedlings could not show up until well into the summer, make sure to identify the location of your plantings.
There are other important things that you should also know about the growth of a Paw Paw tree, and you can use the website Yourhomify for the same.
