Common Pawpaw fruit tree seeds

Asimina triloba

15 - 30' apart

Green foliage with golden fruits

1"

Partial shade or filtered sunlight

The Moringa tree is a true botanical treasure, offering a multitude of benefits. Its leaves, rich in nutrients, are used for cooking, in teas, and as a superfood powder. The young seed pods, known as "drumsticks," add a unique taste and texture to dishes. Moringa oil serves both culinary and cosmetic purposes, while the seeds help purify water and promote natural soil fertilization. Additionally, Moringa contributes to animal fodder, traditional medicine, and even erosion control, making it a versatile and sustainable resource with a wide range of applications.

No

5 - 8 years

Perennial in zones 10 and 11. Grow as an indoor houseplant or over winter in all other zones. This tree may freeze and grow back in zones 8 and 9.

Yes

Yes, as a house plant. 

5 through 9

Growing Pawpaw Trees from Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Estimated Time:

• Seed Collection/Preparation: A few hours
• Cold Stratification: 90-120 days (3-4 months)
• Germination: 30-90 days after stratification
• Initial Growth: Slow for the first 1-2 years

Step 1: Obtain Fresh Pawpaw Seeds (Late Summer/Early Fall)

• Clean the Seeds:
  • Thoroughly clean all pulp off the seeds. Any remaining fruit pulp can inhibit germination and promote fungal growth.
  • Rinse them well under running water. You can gently rub them with a cloth or even use a soft brush to remove stubborn bits.
  • Some growers recommend a brief soak (1-2 days) in water, changing the water daily, to help remove any lingering germination inhibitors from the pulp.

Step 2: Prepare Seeds for Cold Stratification

Pawpaw seeds require a period of cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. This mimics the natural winter conditions they would experience in their native habitat.

• Disinfect (Optional but Recommended): To prevent fungal issues during stratification, you can soak the cleaned seeds for 10-15 minutes in a weak bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) or a hydrogen peroxide solution (3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide diluted 1:1 with water). Rinse thoroughly afterward.
  • Alternatively, a commercial seed fungicide can be used according to product instructions.
• Moisten Medium: Lightly moisten your chosen stratification medium (sphagnum moss, peat moss, or paper towels). It should be damp, not dripping wet. Squeeze out any excess water.
• Layering:
  • Place a layer of the moist medium in the bottom of your airtight container or zip-top bag.
  • Arrange the Pawpaw seeds on top of the medium, ensuring they are not touching each other too much.
  • Cover the seeds with another layer of moist medium.
  • You can layer multiple sets of seeds if you have many, ensuring each layer is separated by the moist medium.
• Label: Clearly label the container with the date and type of seeds.

Step 3: Cold Stratification (90-120 Days)

This is the most crucial step for successful germination.

• Refrigerate: Place the sealed container or bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. The ideal temperature range is typically between 35∘F and 45∘F (1∘C to 7∘C).
• Duration: Stratify the seeds for a minimum of 90 days (3 months) and ideally 120 days (4 months). The longer period often leads to better germination rates.
• Monitor: Periodically check the seeds (every 2-4 weeks) during stratification:
  • Moisture: Ensure the medium remains consistently moist. If it starts to dry out, add a small amount of distilled water.
  • Mold: Inspect for any signs of mold. If you see mold, remove the affected seeds, wipe down the container, and consider re-treating the remaining seeds with a fungicide or hydrogen peroxide before returning them to the refrigerator with fresh, moist medium.

Step 4: Planting Stratified Seeds (Early Spring)

After stratification, your seeds are ready for planting. Aim to plant them in early spring, around the last frost date for your area.

• Prepare Pots:
  • Pawpaws develop a long taproot, so choose deep pots – at least 6 inches, but deeper is better. Root trainers or tree pots are excellent for encouraging healthy taproot development.
  • Ensure the pots have good drainage holes.
  • Fill pots with a well-draining potting mix. A good mix might include a combination of peat moss, perlite, and compost.
• Planting Depth:
  • Plant each stratified seed about 1 inch deep in the center of the pot.
  • Some growers recommend planting them horizontally to encourage a straighter taproot, but vertically also works.
• Water: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the seeds.
• Location: Place the pots in a warm location, ideally where temperatures are consistently 70∘F to 85∘F (21∘C to 29∘C). This could be indoors near a sunny window, in a greenhouse, or on a heat mat.
• Patience: Pawpaw seeds can be slow and erratic germinators, even after proper stratification. Germination can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days (or even longer in some cases) after planting. Don't give up too quickly!

Step 5: Post-Germination Care

Once your Pawpaw seedlings emerge, they require specific care.

• Light: Pawpaw seedlings prefer dappled shade or indirect light for their first year or two. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch their tender leaves. If growing indoors, place them near a window with filtered light or use grow lights on a lower setting.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Humidity: Pawpaw seedlings appreciate humidity. If your indoor environment is dry, consider using a humidity tray or a humidifier.
• Fertilization (Lightly): Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, you can begin feeding them with a very dilute, balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., half-strength). Do this sparingly, perhaps every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
• Pest and Disease Monitoring: Keep an eye out for common seedling pests like fungus gnats or spider mites, and treat as necessary.
• Transplanting (When Ready):
  • Pawpaw trees establish a deep taproot quickly, making them sensitive to transplanting. It's best to plant them in their permanent location as soon as they are robust enough, typically after they have grown to about 1-2 feet tall and all danger of frost has passed in your area.
  • When transplanting, be extremely careful not to disturb the root ball. Dig a wide and deep hole.
  • Choose a location that offers some afternoon shade, especially for the first few years, as young Pawpaws are susceptible to sunscald. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil.

Key Considerations for Success:

• Patience is paramount! Growing Pawpaws from seed is a long-term project.
• Freshness of seeds: This is the single most important factor for good germination rates.
• Proper stratification: Don't skip or shorten this step.
• Avoid drying out: Both seeds during stratification and seedlings after germination need consistent moisture.
• Protection from direct sun: Young Pawpaws are delicate and need shade.
• Deep pots: Accommodate their taproot.
• Cross-pollination: To get fruit from your Pawpaw trees, you will need at least two genetically different trees for cross-pollination. If growing from seed, you'll naturally have genetic diversity. If buying grafted trees, ensure you have different varieties. Pawpaws are pollinated by flies and beetles, so avoid using insecticides that might harm these beneficial insects.