Pawpaw plant profile
Asimina triloba
A perennial fruit for full sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Pawpaw
NC State Extension describes pawpaw as a deciduous understory tree that flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. No planting date is given, so set out dormant trees in early spring, and note that a second, genetically different tree is needed as a pollinizer for fruit.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Pawpaw in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Full sun
- Soil pH
- 5.5 to 6
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness
- Zones 5a to 9bFind my hardiness zone
Common problems
Watch for these
Also watch for: self incompatible needs pollinizer, pawpaw peduncle borer, contact dermatitis from fruit, root suckers.
Next steps
Continue with Pawpaw
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Asimina triloba (Common Pawpaw, Pawpaw)
NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.