Paw Paws!

[BigDaveK]

I planted 3 paw paws about about 10 years ago. They spread from the roots ("paw paw patch") so now I have more than 60 of various sizes. Late frosts last 4-5 years and I never had a single fruit....until this year! Not a big crop, maybe 2 dozen. Long way to go - harvest will be in September hopefully.

 

[Rlehman]

The late frost put a hurting on my paw paws last year. Looked at them Monday and they were loaded. Best crop ill have to date. I planted mine nine years ago. My paw paws have not spread still have the five I planted no more. Is that normal?

 

[BigDaveK]

The late frost put a hurting on my paw paws last year. Looked at them Monday and they were loaded. Best crop ill have to date. I planted mine nine years ago. My paw paws have not spread still have the five I planted no more. Is that normal?

You're so lucky! Odd that they're not spreading. Maybe it's the variety? I have small trees and seedlings as far as 20 feet from my original plantings. I don't mind them spreading and they have plenty of room. I just wish I'd get more paw paws!

 

[Rlehman]

I don't know about the lucky part it would be nice to have some more trees without buying them. I'm wonder if the one's I bought were grafted onto different root stock. Do you think all the voluntary trees are pulling energy away from making fruit? Maybe could thin the patch out?

 

[BigDaveK]

I don't know about the lucky part it would be nice to have some more trees without buying them. I'm wonder if the one's I bought were grafted onto different root stock. Do you think all the voluntary trees are pulling energy away from making fruit? Maybe could thin the patch out?

I don't know if they pull energy from the main tree or not. They should form their own roots over time. I've dug up quite a few lilac suckers over the years. Thinning? I would consider it with definitive proof it will help. I'll have to do more research. I have since found 3 patches of wild pawpaws. Deer droppings I assume. Still young but they have the same spreading growth habit.

I think my lack of pawpaws is mostly weather related. The last five years I had flowers quickly followed by a late frost, the kiss of death.

FYI, I read the pawpaw is considered a berry. That is one big berry!!

 

[Rlehman]

Definitely a big berry, that's cool you can find patches springing up in the woods not really a thing around me.
Have a good weekend.