Manasota Pawpaw Plant Care

Manasota Pawpaw (Asimina manasota) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Asimina genus. Manasota Pawpaw is native to Manatee and Sarasota counties in Florida, USA.

Manasota Pawpaw displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Manasota Pawpaw produces large, unique, maroon flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Manasota Pawpaw every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Manasota Pawpaw thrives in full sun to part shade.

Asimina manasota tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Manasota Pawpaw prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Manasota Pawpaw to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Manasota Pawpaw every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Manasota Pawpaw is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Manasota Pawpaw can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Manasota Pawpaw while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Manasota Pawpaw is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Manasota Pawpaw can be propagated through seeds, suckers.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Manasota Pawpaw is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Manasota Pawpaw grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Manasota Pawpaw is native to Manatee and Sarasota counties in Florida, USA. In cooler regions, grow Manasota Pawpaw as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.