Asimina triloba – Pawpaw seeds

Description

Pack of 10 seeds

Asimina triloba – American Pawpaw

The American pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a small, deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, valued for its highly nutritious, custard-like fruit. Often described as tasting like a mix between banana, mango, and melon, pawpaw fruit is rich in protein and a rare example of a cold-climate tree bearing tropical-flavoured fruit.

Pawpaws grow to around 3–6 metres tall and form a pyramidal or spreading shape. They prefer a sheltered position with full sun and deep, fertile, well-drained soil. In cooler parts of New Zealand, they benefit from protection from strong wind while young and may tolerate light shade. Once established, they’re hardy down to about –25°C.

To fruit, pawpaws require at least 400 hours of winter chill (under 7°C), making them suitable for temperate areas of New Zealand with defined winters. They also require cross-pollination between genetically distinct individuals. If growing from seed, plan to raise at least four to six seedlings to ensure enough genetic diversity for reliable pollination.

Germination and Cold Stratification:
Pawpaw seeds need a long, cold, moist stratification period of 90–120 days to break dormancy. Seeds should not be allowed to dry out and should be sown fresh where possible. Use deep containers to accommodate their long taproot, or stratify in a sealed, moist medium in the fridge, checking periodically for mould or early sprouting.

Outdoor Stratification Tip:
In areas with cool winters, Asimina triloba seeds can be stratified naturally. Sow into deep pots with moist, well-draining medium and place them in a secure, rodent-proof location outdoors now, in autumn. The winter cold will gradually prepare them to germinate in spring.

Pack of 10 seeds