Very hardy fruit tree with North America's largest edible fruit, tastes like banana, mango, and pineapple

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a fascinating fruit tree that produces the largest edible fruit native to North America. The tree is the only temperate member of the large, mainly tropical plant family Annonaceae, and its large leaves with drip tips are more characteristic of plants in tropical rainforests than of its temperate distribution range.

Spring brings wine-purple flowers that transform into clusters of elongated fruits. In autumn, the large, green fruit softens, emits a ripe scent, and turns yellowish. This is when you pick and eat the flavorful fruit, which resembles a mix of banana, mango, and pineapple. The fruits ripen in October and can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.

The nutritious fruit is high in protein and is a good source of vitamins and minerals. The English name is spelled in several ways (pawpaw, paw paw, paw-paw, papaw) and likely originates from the Spanish word papaya.

Important about pollination: Pawpaw is self-incompatible, meaning that pollen from one plant cannot pollinate flowers on the same plant. To get fruit, a pawpaw flower must receive pollen from flowers on another tree; therefore, you must plant two different trees for cross-pollination.

Care

In Sweden, pawpaw prefers to be in as sunny and warm a location as possible, but in soil that is not too dry. The location should also be somewhat sheltered from the wind.

The tree can withstand temperatures down to -25 degrees Celsius, but despite its hardiness, it should be grown in a truly warm and sunny location to ensure the fruit ripens before autumn gets too cold.

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the establishment years. Pawpaw is not particularly susceptible to insects or diseases, making it a rewarding fruit tree. Trees usually begin to bear fruit 2 to 3 years after planting. Buy Pawpaw online!