Pawpaw Plant Care

Pawpaw (Asimina spatulata) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Asimina genus. Pawpaw is also known as Spatulate Pawpaw.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted 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.

Pawpaw thrives in full sun to part shade.

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

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

Feed 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Pawpaw can be propagated through seeds, suckers. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pawpaw plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

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.

Pawpaw grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Pawpaw as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.