Seed packet size: ‘Prolific x OP’ 10 seeds, ‘EW2 x OP’ 7 seeds, ‘EW1 x OP’ 5 seeds.

Bulk packets: ‘Prolific x OP’ 50 seeds, ‘EW2 x OP’ 35 seeds, ‘EW1 x OP’ 25 seeds. Bulk packets not currently available, they may be activated later in the season to liquidate stock before the end of the season

Seedlings of “Prolific ” - 6-12”+” tall (plus roots).

Seedlings of EW1, a seedling planted here at Edgewood Nursery, first to ripen, medium size very tasty fruit. -1 year old seedlings 6”-12” tall plus roots.

Variety descriptions:

EW-1 - My personal favorite variety planted here, first to ripen (usually late September), has good flavor, medium to large fruit (upto 13 oz) and good seed to pulp ratio. Planted right next to EW-2, so they likely cross pollinate regularly. I purchased this tree as a seedling of unknown parentage from FEDCO the first year they sold Paw Paw.

EW-2 - Planted the same year as EW-1 and from the same source, has similar properties but slightly lower seed to pulp ratio and ripens slightly later.

Prolific - My only grafted Paw Paw currently producing. I chose this variety because of precocious production, and it did start producing after only 3 years (on a grafted tree). The fruit is smaller than either EW tree with more seeds (although the seeds are somewhat smaller), the pulp also clings to the seed a bit more. Ripens later than EW-1/2, but has always ripened before a hard frost here. Might do better in a more southerly climate. Pollinated by EW-1 and EW-2, so hopefully seedlings of Prolific will outperform their seed parent.

Paw paw is North America’s largest native fruit, they taste like a mix of mango and banana and have a soft custardy texture like a ripe avocado. Once established the trees are very pest and disease resistant. With large tropical looking foliage and purple bell shaped flowers, these trees also are quite ornamental. Plant 2 for pollination. Hardy to zone 5, maybe 4, in cold areas seedlings of early ripening cultivars are a safer bet then grafted stock or random seedlings. Young Paw Paws require protection from direct sun for 1-3 years, the simplest way is to use a blue-x grow tube attached to a wooden stake to cover the seedlings until they grow out the top of the tube. Other options, using tall annuals or perennials to provide shade, planting in the shade of a tree that you can cut down later, a tomato cage with row cover or other material over the top.

For the first time, I will be offering Paw Paw seeds for sale. Paw paw isn’t particularly hard to grow from seed, but does require some special care and lots of patience. Please read these directions before ordering. Most importantly, Paw Paw seeds need to stay cool and damp until sowing.