Growing Pawpaw Trees in Central New York: A Guide to Cultivating America's Forgotten Fruit
Introduction to the Pawpaw
Pawpaw trees (Asimina triloba) are often called America's forgotten fruit. Native to the eastern United States, pawpaws thrive in temperate climates and are gaining popularity in food forests, particularly due to their delicious, custard-like fruit. Central New York, with its rich soils and moderate climate, provides an ideal environment for pawpaws, making them a valuable addition to local food forests.
A Brief History of Pawpaw
Pawpaw trees have been cultivated for centuries by Native Americans, who appreciated their rich, tropical flavor and used the fruit for food and medicine. Early settlers continued this tradition, but the pawpaw fell out of favor with the rise of commercial agriculture, as its delicate fruit doesn't store or transport well. Now, with the resurgence of interest in native and regenerative crops, pawpaws are making a comeback.
Growing Pawpaw Trees in Central New York
Pawpaw trees are hardy in USDA zones 5-9, which makes them well-suited to Central New York’s climate. However, they require specific conditions to thrive, including proper pollination, management of root suckers, and thoughtful propagation methods.
Pollination Challenges
Pawpaws have unique pollination requirements. Unlike most fruit trees, pawpaws are pollinated by flies and beetles, rather than bees. Their flowers are dark and emit a faint odor to attract these insects. Because of this, they are often pollination-limited in cultivated environments, especially if there are no natural attractants nearby.
To increase your chances of successful pollination:
Plant at least two genetically different trees: Pawpaws are not self-pollinating, so you'll need multiple varieties to ensure cross-pollination.
Encourage natural pollinators: Planting companion plants that attract flies and beetles can help, or you can hang rotting fruit or other organic matter near your pawpaw trees to draw in pollinators.
Consider hand pollination: In smaller plantings or isolated areas, hand pollination with a small paintbrush can improve fruit set.
Managing Root Suckers
Pawpaw trees often send up root suckers, which are shoots that grow from the roots rather than the trunk. While these suckers can be useful if you're trying to propagate pawpaws, they can also divert energy away from the main tree and lead to a crowded, less productive stand if not managed properly.
To manage root suckers:
Regular pruning: Remove root suckers as they appear to direct the tree’s energy toward producing fruit and strong growth.
Sucker propagation: If you want to expand your pawpaw grove, you can allow a few well-placed suckers to grow and later transplant them to a new location. Suckers taken from mature trees are genetically identical to the parent and will produce fruit more quickly than trees grown from seed.
Growing Pawpaws from Seed
Pawpaws can also be grown from seed, but it’s a process that requires patience. Seeds need a period of cold stratification to germinate successfully, mimicking the natural winter dormancy. Here’s how to grow pawpaws from seed:
Collect fresh seeds from ripe fruit: Clean off any remaining pulp and plant the seeds soon after harvesting, as pawpaw seeds don't store well unless refrigerated.
Stratify the seeds: Store the seeds in a moist medium, like damp peat moss or sand, in the refrigerator for 90 to 120 days. This cold period is necessary for breaking dormancy.
Plant in spring: After stratification, plant the seeds in deep pots or directly into the ground in spring. Pawpaw trees have long taproots, so choose deep containers or a permanent site from the beginning.
Patience is key: Pawpaws grown from seed can take 4-8 years to bear fruit, so be prepared for a long-term investment. However, seed-grown trees tend to be more vigorous than transplanted trees and can adapt better to local conditions.
Varieties of Pawpaw for Central New York
Several pawpaw varieties have been developed for better fruit size, flavor, and yield. Some great varieties to grow in Central New York include:
'Sunflower'
Cold-hardy and partially self-fertile, though it benefits from cross-pollination. Produces large fruit with a mild flavor.'Shenandoah'
Known for its creamy texture and large, sweet fruit. Great for its consistent productivity.'Susquehanna'
Prized for large fruit with minimal seeds and dense, rich flavor, ideal for processing.'Allegheny'
Medium-sized, sweet fruit with a smooth texture and good flavor, great for small spaces.'KSU-Atwood'
Developed for disease resistance and productivity, with medium to large fruits.'Overleese'
One of the classic varieties known for its large fruit and early ripening, perfect for extended harvests.
The Benefits of Pawpaw in a Food Forest
Pawpaw trees offer many benefits when incorporated into a regenerative food forest:
Soil health: Pawpaws have deep taproots, which help to break up compacted soil and access nutrients that other plants may not reach. The fallen fruit and leaves add organic matter to the soil.
Wildlife support: Pawpaw fruits provide food for wildlife, while their flowers support pollinating insects. The tree itself is relatively pest-resistant, due to compounds in the leaves and bark that deter insects.
Regenerative potential: In a food forest setting, pawpaws serve as an understory species, thriving in the shade of taller trees while still producing abundant fruit. Their ability to regenerate through root suckers and seed propagation helps to naturally expand and diversify the food forest ecosystem.
Conclusion
Pawpaw trees are a unique and rewarding addition to any food forest in Central New York. With the right care—managing pollination, controlling root suckers, and thoughtful propagation—you can enjoy the tropical-tasting fruits for years to come. Whether you're planting selected varieties or starting from seed, pawpaws will bring diversity, wildlife support, and delicious fruit to your regenerative landscape. As more people rediscover this native gem, the pawpaw is proving to be a versatile and valuable tree for both the home grower and the modern food forest.
