Mango Paw Paw

1. Planting: Pawpaw trees have the potential to produce fruit in the shade, but due to their large leaves, they will yield the best results when grown in a sunny location and protected from strong winds. The soil should be slightly acidic (pH 5.5-7), deep, rich, and well-draining. It's important to shield young trees from sunburn during the intense afternoon sun by placing them near a fence or shaded area.

2. Watering: Pawpaws thrive in rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They need about an inch of water per week over the root zone. Water once a week or twice if the soil drains quickly.

3. Fertilizing: Remember to use a balanced fertilizer such as organic fruit tree and shrub fertilizer. Applying well-rotted compost can also be effective. You can use concentrated products like chemical fertilizers from late winter through early summer, but avoid applying fertilizer after early summer to prevent excessive soft new growth that can be damaged by winter cold.

4. Pollination: It's best to plant two different varieties or a combination of seedlings and varieties to ensure cross-pollination. Space the trees as close as 6 feet apart or in 14-foot circles, as pollination works best when trees are near each other. If you're ordering a grafted plant, choose a different variety of pawpaw for pollination. The pawpaw or native pawpaw are seedlings that will cross-pollinate each other. For example, two seedling Mango pawpaw trees will pollinate each other, but two grafted Mango pawpaw trees will not.

5. Harvesting: The Paw Paw will be ready to eat when it is easily plucked from the tree. Paw Paws that are too ripe can have an astringent taste, so don’t wait until they’ve fallen.