The Paw Paw (Asimina Triloba) brings tropical flavours to Ontario.
Paw Paws are a unique and delicious fruit tree that is easy to grow in most climates, although Ottawa is the Northern limit. This tree boasts a tropical appearance with large, drooping leaves and produces greenish-yellow fruit that tastes like a blend of banana, mango, and pineapple, sometimes with hints of vanilla and caramel.
The Paw Paw tree prefers well-draining soil and partial shade, but can also thrive in full sun. This low-maintenance tree typically grows to be 15-20 feet tall and can provide an abundant harvest of fruit for many years to come. Simply plant the bare root in a sunny location, providing some shade for the first 2-3 years, water regularly, and enjoy the sweet rewards of my favourite fruit tree.
These trees take about 7-8 years to produce fruit and are worth the wait.
**NOTE** Two genetically different trees are required for polination. All seedlings are genetically unique so this isn't an issue for seedlings but you do need two trees and they can not be clones of the same tree which can happen with grafted varieties.
They will also grow near or even right under walnut trees which kills most plants. We are currently experimenting with a Butternut and paw paw plantation to benefit from the weed suppresion of the juglone family of trees.
Why plant small trees?
Paw paws have a taproot and it is best to plant them as young as possible so the root gets established well in your soil. This benefit is actually true of all trees including apple trees because there is less root disturbance.
Why plant seedlings?
There are named varieties of paw paws (like the named apples we see in stores) that guarantee certain flavour profiles but most of them were developed much further south and may not be able to survive our winters. Growing seedlings from local seeds increases the chances of having a successful tree.
Are fruits from seedlings any good?
Paw paws don’t have the same genetic diversity that fruits like apples have which means there is much less variation between the mother plant and the offspring. I have only eaten fruits from seedling trees and have been amazed by the flavours. It is common practice to grow from seed, grafted trees are less common in our area because they stuggle with the cold, although I am working on developing a cultivar of Paw Paw specifically for our climate (likely 20+ years until the first one is ready)
Where do I plant a Paw Paw tree?
Paw paws naturally are an understory tree, meaning that they grow in the shade under other trees. They need shade for the first few years of their lives but will produce more fruit in the sun. I prefer to plant either under trees that will be cut down in the next 3-7 years or use tomato cages and shade cloth and grow them in the open.
Paw Paws naturally grow close to creeks, they like access to water but don't want to be planted where the roots are always wet. We have seen them growing in a wide range of locations.
How to care for a paw paw tree?
With fall planting you’ll want to get it in the ground and then add some mulch. ALWAYS protect fruit trees with a tree guard that is taller than the snow to prevent them getting eaten by rodents during the winter. I prefer to use a 1/4” wire mesh that is big enough that it will protect the tree for it’s whole life (do the job once and do it right). for Spring planting, provide shade and mulch.
50% of your purchase will support community orchards!
LOCAL PICKUP ONLY:
Pickup dates and locatons will be set up. One locaton in Prescott (with more flexibility for time), one at one of our community orchards (with set pickup times). We will reach out to you to arrange your pickup time and locaton.
Pictures from Eden's Refuge, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, and forbes Wild Food from the CBC Radio interview including Eden's Refuge.
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2019801/pawpaw-asimine-fruit-ontario