Pawpaw   /   Asimina triloba

Geographic origin: North America.
Adult Dimensions: Height up to 15 meters.
Foliage: Deciduous.
Type of soil: Deep, rich and moist, neutral to acidic.
Hardiness: Hardy to -25°C, but some parts of plant may be affected in temperatures below 0°C.
Site: Full sun.


Properties and uses:
The Pawpaw is an original tree that produces fruits that are about 15 cm long. Their creamy flesh is edible with a taste somewhere between mango and banana. In the United States, the « Pawpaw » is eaten fresh, in ice cream, sorbets and yogurts...
It is advisable to plant two trees next to each other to ensure good pollination. On its own it is also a beautiful tree, producing decorative red flowers at the beginning of spring.


Even though the typical variety produces excellent fruits, there are numerous cultivars developed essentially in the USA which allow notably to get self-fertile trees, or fruits with smaller and little seeds.

Among these cultivars, we find:
- The Asimina triloba 'Prima' (Pawpaw): This variety of self-fertile Italian origin is very prolific. The fruits (200g) with yellow flesh mature in September, and have an excellent flavor.
- The Asimina triloba 'Sunflower' (Pawpaw): Self-fertile American variety, producing fruits (200g) grouped in threes or fives, with pale flesh of excellent flavor. The fruits have few seeds and are harvested in October.
- The Asimina triloba 'Davis' (Pawpaw): roductive and particularly hardy American variety, elongated fruit (150g) with green skin and yellow-orange flesh that can measure up to 12 cm! The harvest takes place at the beginning of October. This variety is partially self-fertile; the presence of a plant of another variety nearby is recommended to obtain sufficient quantities of fruit.
- The Asimina triloba 'Overleese' (Pawpaw): Small American variety (5m) which produces large fruits (250g) grouped in threes or fives, very tasty and containing few seeds. They mature at the beginning of October. This variety is not self-fertile, you will have to plant another variety nearby to obtain fruit.

Plant them now: the shortest way to your plate is through your garden!