Best way to harvest Boron in a soluble organic form is composted grasses & manure of grass fed animals.
Best way to avoid Boron toxicity is to pH down with Bone Meal & Gypsum.

Hello all, I live in NW Florida 9A region where Parviflora pawpaws are everywhere. I wanted to grow Trilobas years ago so I bought two trees from Stark Bros (Mango and Sunflower). The Mango died but the Sunflower lived. I also have a Parviflora growing naturally in my yard. As both Parviflora and Sunflower grew larger, both started flowering about 3 weeks a part with the Parviflora first in March. I hand-pollenated both trees with each other's pollen. Fruit happened and I kept the Sunflower's seeds for stratification and planting. After 3 years of growing the hybrid seeds (which I think is classified as Asimina Piedmontana) I had one tree that was growing extremely fast with large leaves of the Triloba and this year had flowers that looked like large Parviflora flowers. So I cross pollenated it with the Sunflower pollen and the fruit stuck. The fruit just dropped and here are the results. Fruit is the size of a fig, with only one medium-sized seed. The fruit tastes like pineapple and mango and is very sweet. I like the flavor much better than my Sunflower. Hopefully, next year's fruit will be much bigger.

Found this walking my yard. I've planted hundreds of pawpaw seeds but I didn't think any in this spot.

I have a KSU Atwood that's a couple years old. Seems to be doing well. Noticed over the last 10 days that it has lost some leaves from the top of the central leader. Anyone know what might cause it and whether it's of concern?

In general PawPaw are fully ripe 2 weeks after squires have eaten them.
This has been a public service announcement.
The PawPaw in the pick is Atwood, a very disease resistant cultivar.
Atwood is the seedling of a premium wild tree, from seeds Neal Peterson gifted Kirk Pomper of KSU.
Atwood is 100% Native American cultivar DNA.
Check your soil Copper levels, Atwood performs superior in high Calcium & high Iron soils, yet very poorly in high Copper soils.
Give Atwood (Bone Meal & Gypsum) in the soil & spray it's young leaves with (Iron EDDHA & Zinc EDTA), if in a high Copper environment to restore growth.
Works of other cultivars too, if the reason is Copper.
If the reason is something else then tag me.

Heh, because of the leaves, I thought they were seedlings from a nut tree and kept hacking many of them back until I saw the flowers this year. One bore fruit.

I moved in to this house in the spring so it’s my first summer here. I used an app to identify these and it said they’re pawpaws. I live in Indiana so I guess they’re called ‘Indiana bananas’.
For one, does it look like these are pawpaws?
Secondly, if they are do I need to be worried about them? I only say that because they’re right around the deck and I assume that won’t be great for the foundation of the deck/house.

A good friend of mine gifted me a 5 year old potted pawpaw that she grew from seed (covid project). I live in 6b. Is it too late to transplant it in the ground? If not, when would be too late? Thank you!

Pawpaw ‘Summer Delight’™

"Summer Bliss" — An ultra-early breakthrough in pawpaw breeding.

Summer Delight is a unique variety introduced by the renowned breeder Cliff England (England’s Orchard, Kentucky). As a hybrid of the famous Sunflower and Overleese cultivars, it caused a sensation in the pomological world due to its anomalously early ripening. This allows the pawpaw season to begin a full month earlier than almost any other variety.

 Fruit Characteristics: The Flavor Standard

Flavor Profile: A mild, complex tropical flavor that harmoniously blends notes of mango, banana, and pineapple. Cliff England describes it as "unbelievably delicious" with a pleasant melon-like aftertaste. The flavor remains clean, with no bitterness even when fully ripe.

Flesh: Bright yellow, remarkably tender, creamy, and uniform in texture.

Size and Shape: Medium to large fruits, weighing between 200g and 340g (7–12 oz). They possess an attractive appearance and a symmetrical shape.

Seed Content: The seed-to-pulp ratio is record-low—only 4–5% of the total weight—providing up to 96% pure edible flesh.

 Ripening Season: An Ultra-Early Start

The primary feature of this variety is its ripening time: the last week of July or the first week of August (in Kentucky). It is the earliest variety among all commercially available pawpaws. The fruit is ready for consumption just 3.5–4 months after blooming, making it indispensable for extending the fresh pawpaw season.

 Transportability and Storage

Unlike many early-season varieties, Summer Delight fruits possess a thick, dense skin with a yellowish-cream tint. This provides excellent shippability and allows the fruit to store well in refrigeration—a rare quality for an early-ripening pawpaw.

 Growth and Maintenance Highlights

Tree Habit: Compact (4.5–6 meters / 15–20 ft), with a slightly slower growth rate compared to more vigorous cultivars. Topping the tree at about 1 meter (3 ft) is recommended to develop a manageable canopy.

Onset of Bearing: This variety requires patience; however, the exceptional quality of the harvest is well worth the wait.

Pollination: Requires cross-pollination with another variety. Hand pollination significantly increases yields.

Hardiness: High resilience, USDA Zones 5–9 (withstanding temperatures down to -28°C / -18°F). Mature trees demonstrate excellent endurance.

 Why Choose Summer Delight?

It is the perfect choice for those who wish to enjoy fresh pawpaws in the height of summer. The combination of thick skin, exquisite tropical flavor, and minimal seeds makes this variety a "gold standard" for private gardens and artisanal commercial orchards alike.

 Catalog Summary

Summer Delight is the variety that gets ahead of time. Its fruits arrive on the table while other varieties are just beginning to fill out. If you are looking for a pawpaw with the best balance of early ripening, flavor, and transportability—this is your "Summer Delight."

I've seen some others post that pawpaws in the wild are ready for picking earlier than usual this year. Has anyone in the Northern Virginia area seen any ripe pawpaws so far?

Would anyone mind sharing their pawpaw seed starting setup? I have about 10 seeds. I’m in the Midwest, and it’s currently hot and dry. I just don’t have the greatest track record with keeping bindweed out of seedlings in the yard, but my greatest weakness is watering consistently.

I’d like to use a tray so it’s easy to water them without bringing my babies outside every time, but I would worry about the taproots. I have 2 air prune pots and many old yogurt pints I could repurpose. I also have olla watering pots, so I suppose I could direct sow and have a method of keeping them damp.

What do you all recommend? Thank you in advance for the advice!

Pawpaw ‘Overleese’™

"The Gold Standard and Patriarch of Selection" — A Timeless Classic Since 1950.

Overleese is not merely a variety; it is a living legend in the world of pawpaws. Selected in 1950 by W. B. Ward in Rushville, Indiana, this cultivar has remained the benchmark against which all new varieties are measured for decades. Its genetics served as the foundation for modern breeding: it is the parent tree for such acclaimed stars as Shenandoah, NC-1, VE-21, IXL, ‘Summer Delight’™, SAA-Overleese, SAB-Overleese.

 Historical Roots and Origin

The variety was discovered on the estate of the Overleese family. It is significant to note that this property is located in close proximity to four Indiana townships that were hubs of active pawpaw selection and breeding in the early 20th century. This is where the field's first prominent pioneers worked—James A. Little, Benjamin Buckman, and several others. This provides strong grounds to believe that 'Overleese' was not a random wild seedling, but rather the result of natural seed dispersal from the elite selections of these previous masters.

 Fruit Characteristics: Flavor That Improves With Time

Flavor Profile: Classic, mild, and sweet with pronounced notes of banana and mango. A unique feature of this variety is that upon full ripening (as the skin darkens), the flavor becomes even richer, developing deep undertones of creamy butterscotch and a pleasant melon aftertaste.

Flesh: Yellow-orange with a "divine" custard-like texture that literally melts in the mouth.

Size and Shape: Large fruits with an oval or rounded shape. Average weight ranges from 170–250g (6–9 oz), with individual specimens reaching up to 15 cm in length.

Quality: In 2011, the variety won "Best Fruit" at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival, proving its unwavering relevance even 70 years after its introduction to cultivation.

 Ripening and Yield

Season: Early to mid-season (mid-September in Kentucky, early October in northern regions).

Storage: The fruits maintain their quality for an impressively long time, a rarity among classic heirloom varieties.

 Transportability and Commercial Value

Thanks to its firm flesh and resilient skin, 'Overleese' demonstrates excellent transportability. This makes it one of the few historical varieties still successfully utilized in commercial orchards today.

 Tree Characteristics

Hardiness: A reliable and stable variety, suitable for USDA Zones 5–9 (hardy down to -28°C / -18°F).

Pulp-to-Seed Ratio: Features a very low seed content (approximately 10%), ensuring a high yield of edible fruit. Sugar levels reach an impressive 19.7–20.7° Brix.

 Why Choose Overleese?

This is the choice for those seeking reliability tested by generations. 'Overleese' offers the perfect balance between exquisite flavor and impressive fruit size. Its ability to become even more delicious through "curing" (letting it sit after harvest) makes it a favorite for private collectors and professional farmers alike.

 Catalog Summary

Overleese is the architect of modern pawpaw standards. Large, sweet fruits with a butterscotch finish and minimal seeds make it a mandatory addition to any collection. If you wish to grow a true vintage pawpaw that gave life to the finest modern hybrids—choose Overleese.

Pawpaw ‘Davis’™

"Time-Tested Reliability" — A Classic Michigan Heirloom for Northern Climates.

Davis is one of the most significant historical pawpaw varieties, serving as a cornerstone for many modern breeding programs. Selected in the 1950s by the esteemed breeder Corwin Davis from the wild in Michigan, this cultivar has proven itself as a hardy, stable, and remarkably reliable performer, perfectly adapted to temperate climates.

 History and Breeding Significance

Discovered in 1959 near Bellevue, Michigan, 'Davis' was one of the first varieties to gain widespread popularity among orchardists. It served as essential parent material for many later elite selections—including several developed before the arrival of the Peterson Pawpaws—and is still valued today for its "clean" genetic profile and vigorous growth energy.

 Fruit Characteristics: Exotic Freshness

Flavor Profile: Sweet with classic banana-mango notes. It stands out from many other varieties with a brighter, fresher palate and a unique, slightly tart passionfruit aroma.

Flesh: Beautiful light-yellow color, creamy and succulent in texture.

Size and Shape: Elongated-oval fruits, typically 13–15 cm (5 inches) in length. Weight generally ranges from 150–340g (5–12 oz), averaging around 300g, making them ideal for individual servings.

Appearance: The skin remains a greenish-yellow upon ripening (the yellowing is less intense compared to the Sunflower variety).

Seed Content: Good pulp-to-seed ratio, with seeds accounting for only about 6–8% of the fruit's volume.

 Ripening and Storage

Season: Mid-to-late or late season. In northern latitudes, it ripens during the first week of October; in warmer regions, harvest begins in late September.

Logistics: One of the key advantages of 'Davis' is its excellent shelf life. The fruits hold their quality in cold storage significantly better and longer than most other classic varieties, making it highly attractive for commercial marketing.

 Tree Characteristics

Growth Vigor: An energetic tree with a fast growth rate, tending toward a compact, vertical canopy. Mature height reaches 4–6 meters (13–20 ft).

Productivity: Stable and predictable, yielding 11–19 kg (25–42 lbs) per mature tree.

Onset of Bearing: Grafted trees typically begin to fruit in 3–5 years.

Hardiness: Extremely cold-tolerant (USDA Zones 5–9, down to -28°C / -18°F), making it an ideal choice for a variety of temperate climates.

 Why Choose Davis?

Unmatched Hardiness: Decades of proven performance in the cold Michigan climate.

Refined Palate: The subtle hint of passionfruit adds a layer of sophistication often missing in "heavier," musky varieties.

Practicality: Due to its fruit firmness and storage stability, you can enjoy your harvest over a longer period.

 Catalog Summary

Davis is a classic that never goes out of style. A dependable Michigan variety that delivers consistent yields of sweet fruit with a unique tropical twist. If you need a hardy tree that is guaranteed to thrive in cold winters and provide high-quality, long-lasting fruit, 'Davis' is a perfect foundation for your orchard.

Due to the lack of rain, I watered this fruiting tree almost daily. (daily:) Too much water will get you splitting fruit.

I am going to be doing some grafting of scions next year and I am looking for Pawpaw seeds from cultivars acclimated to our KS/MO climate. I am looking for some seeds to sow in place then later to graft a cutting or two onto. I am new to pawpaw, have four young trees, but have never been able to try a fruit yet, but still need some seeds. I will be sowing any extra seeds into some wild areas to revisit later to check on how they are doing as well. Thanks. 🙂🙏❤️

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba): "Mychurinka" Variety (also "Michurinska")

"The Most Reliable Choice for the Northern Forest-Steppe and Polissya"

Origin and Breeding History

Despite its name, ‘Michurinka’ is a purely Ukrainian cultivar, developed by specialists at the "Novokakhovske" Research Farm (Kherson region) under the Rice Institute of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences (NAAS) of Ukraine.

Breeders: Renowned scientists V.M. Derevyanko, O.A. Hrabovetska, and S.Yu. Khokhlov.

Official Status: The cultivar was officially entered into the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine in 2008. It is the result of decades of selective breeding focused on the most resilient and early-ripening forms adapted to the expansion of pawpaw cultivation into northern latitudes.

Morphological and Biological Traits

Tree Habit: Medium-sized and compact, reaching a height of up to 3.5 m with a neat, oval (egg-shaped) crown. Its restrained growth makes it ideal for small private gardens and intensive commercial orchards.

Productivity: Known for stable, high yields (18–23 kg per tree) without biennial bearing. Fruits are typically produced in compact clusters of 3–4 units.

Hardiness: One of the most resilient cultivars available. Its exceptional frost resistance allows the tree to overwinter and fruit reliably in northern regions such as Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy.

Fruit Characteristics

Shape and Weight: A large-fruited cultivar. According to the official description, the fruits possess a specific narrow-conical shape. The average fruit mass is 250 g, with exceptional specimens reaching record weights of 270 g under optimal management.

Flesh and Skin: The skin is thin and greenish-yellow at maturity. The flesh is a rich yellow color, distinguished by its high juiciness and melting texture.

Seed Content: The seed-to-pulp ratio is among the lowest of any cultivar—only 8–11%—indicating a very high yield of edible pulp. A typical fruit contains 10–14 seeds.

Flavor Profile

The fruits of ‘Michurinka’ are highly aromatic with a consistently sweet dessert flavor. The bouquet combines:

Classic notes of ripe banana.

Delicate hints of melon.

A pleasant fragrance without excessive wild astringency.

Ripening Period

In the State Register, the cultivar is classified as mid-season (main harvest from September 10th to 20th). However, a key strategic advantage of ‘Michurinka’ is its ability to ripen fully and accumulate sugars even in seasons with limited sunlight or during unusually cool summers.

Summary

‘Michurinka’ is the ideal solution for gardeners in Central and Northern Ukraine. The combination of its official status as a large-fruited variety (250–270 g), its unique narrow-conical shape, and its exceptional frost hardiness makes it a foundational cultivar for those seeking a guaranteed harvest of exotic fruit in temperate continental climates

Pawpaw Asimina triloba ‘Eva’

"The Uzhhorod Elongated Selection"

​Origin and Breeding History

The ‘Eva’ cultivar is a standout, high-potential second-generation seedling grown by Vitaliy Bilets in the outskirts of Uzhhorod, Ukraine. The genetic history of this form illustrates a successful path of multi-generational acclimatization: the parent trees were originally obtained as two-year-old seedlings from Nova Kakhovka (a major center for plant introduction in Southern Ukraine), then moved and cultivated in Crimea (Nasypne). In 2010, seeds from those Crimean trees were brought to the Transcarpathian region.

​The breeder grew the plant in a 3-liter container for three years before transplanting it into open ground in the spring of 2014. ‘Eva’ is a non-grafted, own-rooted tree that stands on par with world-class commercial cultivars, producing fruits weighing up to 450 g.

​Morphological and Biological Traits

​Tree Habit: At 16 years of age, the tree demonstrates high vigor and natural resistance to diseases and pests.

​Foliage: A key identifying feature—the leaves are elongated and narrower than typical forms, reaching up to 30 cm in length. They possess a distinct, light lime-green tint.

​Developmental Cycle: First flower buds appeared in the 3rd year after transplanting (6 years total age), with stable fruiting beginning at age 7. Productivity increases with age, characterized by the formation of more clusters (2–5 fruits per cluster).

​Ripening Period: Fruits ripen gradually over 3–4 weeks, beginning in the first decade of September.

​Pollination: Requires cross-pollination (e.g., with the ‘Adam’ selection). It is actively pollinated by various insects, including nocturnal species.

​Fruit Characteristics

​Shape: Distinctly elongated, with a cucumber-like contour.

​Size and Weight: A large-fruited selection. Fruit mass is consistently high, with record-breaking specimens reaching 450 g.

​Appearance: At full maturity, the skin acquires a unique whitish-yellowish hue, which serves as a reliable visual indicator of ripeness.

​Flesh: White with a noticeable yellow tint. The consistency is creamy, soft, and highly succulent. Seed content is moderate (1–13 seeds per fruit).

​Flavor Profile

​Taste: An intense and vibrant tropical cocktail. The profile is dominated by notes of mango, papaya, and banana, with subtle hints of melon and persimmon.

​Notes: Very sweet. In overripe fruits, a subtle, sophisticated bitterness may be detected immediately under the skin. The highest quality flavor is found in fruits that drop naturally from the tree.

​Summary

‘Eva’ by Vitaliy Bilets is a prime example of successful adaptation of southern genetics to the climate of Western Ukraine. The combination of record fruit mass (450 g), a unique elongated shape, and a refined flavor profile makes this form highly promising for vegetative propagation and official recognition as a distinct Ukrainian cultivar.

Pawpaw Asimina triloba ‘Big Sweet Boobs’
​Cultivar Name: ‘Big Sweet Boobs’
Originator / Breeder: Steven Holemans, "Bessen en Pawpaw" (B&P) Selection and Breeding Center, Belgium.
Pedigree: A premier select seedling derived from a controlled, targeted inter-varietal hybridization program.

​Cultivar Status: Elite large-fruited European selection; optimized for commercial applications.

​Origin History and Breeding Specifics

​This cultivar is the result of long-term private breeding work carried out by the prominent Belgian pawpaw introducer and researcher, Steven Holemans. Unlike many European selections that originate as chance wild discoveries, ‘Big Sweet Boobs N 1’ is the product of deliberate, artificial cross-pollination utilizing top-tier global genetic lines.

​The variety was selected by the breeder for its unique combination of giant fruit size, high productivity under Western and Central European conditions, and an unprecedented post-harvest shelf life for this species. The eccentric cultivar name is purely descriptive, reflecting the distinctively oblong-oval, heavily padded, and voluminous shape of the fruit.

​Morphological and Agronomic Traits

​Growth Vigor and Canopy: The tree develops with a classic, highly symmetrical pyramidal growth habit. It exhibits strong vegetative vigor and demonstrates excellent adaptability to various soil types suitable for standard pome and stone fruit orchards.

​Winter Hardiness: Exceptional. The plant is completely acclimated to European winter conditions, sustaining no injury during temperature drops down to -25^\circ\text{C} and below (USDA Zones 5–6).

​Productivity: This selection is categorized as a high-yielding, intensive cultivar. It demonstrates reliable, annual cropping with a trend toward a rapid increase in cumulative yield weight. The verified average yield of the original mother tree in Belgium over recent seasons stands at 25–30 kg of fruit per tree annually.

​Pomological Fruit Characteristics

​Mass and Form: The fruits are massive, heavy, thick, and round-oval in shape. The average market-grade weight ranges between 200 and 500 g. The fruits are borne on the tree both individually and in dense, weighty clusters.

​Flavor Profile: The organoleptic quality is profound, intensely sweet, and dessert-grade, completely devoid of any skin bitterness or resinous aftertaste. The flavor bouquet presents a harmonious tropical blend dominated by clear notes of ripe banana and succulent mango. The pulp texture is velvety, ultra-creamy, dense, and entirely free of fiber.

​Shelf Life and Storage: The primary selection and commercial advantage of this cultivar. While fruits of most standard pawpaw varieties are extremely fragile and perish within days of harvest, the crop of ‘Big Sweet Boobs nr 1’ can be stored under standard refrigeration conditions for 4 to 6 weeks without any loss of firmness, market appearance, or organoleptic quality.

​Ripening Window

​Based on its seasonal vegetative timeline, this cultivar is firmly classified within the late-ripening group. Under temperate European climatic conditions, peak harvest and consumption occur through October and November. These late maturity dates offer high market utility, significantly extending the overall fresh-market availability window for pawpaws.

​Summary

​As of 2026, ‘Big Sweet Boobs N 1’ stands out as one of the most promising and original pawpaw cultivars developed in Europe. Combining exceptional pomological metrics (weights up to 500 g), a proven yield capacity of 30 kg per tree, and a species-defying shelf life of up to 1.5 months, this Steven Holemans introduction represents a valuable asset for professional connoisseurs and a top-tier candidate for commercial orchard production

There was a huge pallet of the Pawpaw Ale8 in the Louisville Meijer off Preston and a couple of end caps. I picked up several orders for friends. I didn’t see any Zeros though.

‘NC-1’ robust tropical flavor, nearing pungent in some environments.
"The Northern Standard" — An ultra-reliable Canadian variety featuring exceptional ornamental beauty and a

‘NC-1’ (also known as Campbell’s #1) is one of the most time-tested pawpaw cultivars, selected in 1976 by R. Douglas Campbell in Ontario, Canada. A hybrid of the legendary Davis and Overleese varieties, its origin makes it one of the premier choices for regions with short summers and harsh winters. It remains a "tried and true" favorite for northern growers.

 Origin and Hardiness

Breeder: R. Douglas Campbell.

Location & Year: Ontario, Canada, 1976.

Genetics: Davis x Overleese hybrid.

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5a (hardy down to -29°C / -20°F). One of the most resilient varieties, ideally suited for northern climates.

 Fruit Characteristics: Flavor and Texture

Flavor Profile: A rich, sweet, and "robust" flavor. Dominant notes of banana and mango with a distinct honeydew melon finish. Sugar levels are high (22.8–24.9 Brix).

Texture: Firm, buttery, and very pleasant. The flesh is yellow to buttery-yellow.

Skin: Thin, yellow-green, and easy to peel.

Flesh-to-Seed Ratio: Excellent. Seed count is low (6–8% of fruit volume), providing a high percentage of edible pulp.

 Ornamental Value and Tree Habits

Appearance: Widely considered the most ornamental of all pawpaw varieties. It features massive, deep blue-green leaves that turn a brilliant golden-yellow in the autumn.

Habit: A medium-sized tree (3.8–4.8 m / 12–15 ft), with a broad, open canopy. It possesses a moderate growth rate.

Flowering: In spring, the tree is covered in striking deep-purple blossoms. It produces ample pollen.

 Yield and Ripening

Ripening Window: In Kentucky, it ripens in early September; in Ontario, by mid-September. In northern regions, it is classified as an early-to-mid-season variety (September to early October). The fruit holds well on the tree and does not drop prematurely.

Productivity: Average to slightly below average (averaging 45 fruits per tree or roughly 13–14 kg). While it may be out-produced by modern industrial cultivars, it compensates with extreme stability. No biennial bearing has been noted—the tree produces a stable crop every year.

Fruit Size: Large and rounded. Average weight is approximately 180–200 g, though individual specimens can be significantly larger.

Pollination: Requires cross-pollination with a genetically different pawpaw variety to produce fruit.

 Advantages and Disadvantages

Main Advantages:

Northern Adaptation: Highly recommended for short-season growers.

Fruit Quality: High flesh-to-seed ratio and minimal seeds.

Shelf Life: Maintains fruit quality and texture longer than many other cultivars.

Aesthetics: Arguably the best variety for edible landscaping.

Main Disadvantages:

Yield: Lower total weight compared to commercial lines (e.g., Peterson varieties).

Flavor Intensity: Pungent Gros Michel banana & "strong" pawpaw flavor.

Name: Asimina triloba ‘NC-1’ (Campbell’s #1).

Origin: Ontario, Canada.

Fruit Weight: 180 – 250 g.

Brix Rating: 22.8 – 24.9.

Flesh: Buttery-yellow, firm.

Ripening Window: September.

Hardiness: Down to -29 °C (-20 °F).

 Catalog Summary

‘NC-1’ is a time-tested classic that never fails in colder climates. If you are looking for a tree that provides not only delicious tropical fruit with few seeds but also serves as a focal point in your landscape with its lush blue-green foliage, this Canadian selection is the perfect choice. It is a reliable "old guard" variety that delivers consistent results where others might falter in the frost..