Pawpaw Trees are America's Best Kept Secret
Pawpaw Trees are a native tree with a superfood fruit that tastes like a mixture of tropical mango and papaya, with a custard-like consistency. Being native to the eastern United States is what makes this tree so unique. The foliage also appears tropical, with large leaves that create a perfect shade canopy. "If you want a tree truely unique," states Tammy Sons at TN Nursery, "choose this tree". There's nothing quite like it, to be honest.
TN Nursery is the largest pawpaw tree grower in the United States.
Why Grow Pawpaw Trees?
Not only do these trees support a diverse array of pollinators and wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer, but they are also beneficial to humans. In the Spring, the tree is adorned with large, maroon-colored blooms, followed by fruits that appear near midsummer. The fruit grows in clusters and is recognized as a superfood for both humans and animals. It's low-maintenance, while also being disease- and pest-resistant.
Tips on how to grow pawpaw trees
Growing Conditions
They thrive in USDA zones 5-9. They prefer rich, well-drained soil and do best in full sun to partial shade. While they tolerate some shade when young, planting in sunnier locations will encourage greater fruit production. For optimal pollination, plant at least two trees within 15-25 feet of each other to ensure cross-pollination and an abundant harvest.
Benefits and Uses
It is the only host plant for the zebra swallowtail butterfly, making this native tree not only beneficial by providing fruits, but also vital for our pollinators to lay eggs and reproduce. It's a primary food source for caterpillars to lay eggs on.
The fruit can be eaten fresh, baked into desserts, or used in jams, smoothies, and ice cream, offering both gardeners and chefs a versatile, homegrown treat.
Order Your Pawpaw Trees Today
TN Nursery offers the tree that will bring a taste of America's forgotten to your table with the Pawpaw tree. It not only combines an exotic look but it's perfect for homeowners or gardeners that love rare and unique trees that offer delicious rewards.
Customer Reviews
My daughter was looking for a Paw Paw Tree and I stumbled upon this website. Pleasantly surprised when three trees arrived instead of two! I look forward to them growing and ordering from here again!
How long does it take a pawpaw tree to produce fruit?
Pawpaw trees typically begin producing fruit in 3 to 6 years. Good sunlight, rich soil, and regular watering during early growth help speed up fruiting by a couple years.
Do you need two pawpaw trees to produce fruits?
Normally yes, but at TN Nursery we grow our plants in fields and greenhouses with thousands of male and females trees so your trees will already come pollinated.
What does pawpaw tree fruit taste like?
Pawpaw fruit has a unique tropical flavor often described as a mix of banana, mango, and custard.
Exposure
Young plants likes partial shade and can withstand more sun as they mature
Height at Maturity
Under 25 Feet
Usage
Fruit
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
UPS
Planting Zones
5-8
How To Grow
How to Grow and Care for Fruit Trees
Fruit trees are a rewarding addition to any landscape, offering fragrant blossoms in spring and fresh, homegrown harvests in summer or fall. Popular varieties like apple, peach, pear, and plum thrive in full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Choose trees suited to your USDA zone, and plant in early spring or fall for the best root development.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough so the root flare sits just above the soil line. Backfill with native soil, water deeply, and apply mulch around the base—keeping it a few inches from the trunk—to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly during the first growing season, especially during dry spells.
Prune annually to shape the tree, improve air circulation, and boost fruit production. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced or fruit-specific fertilizer. With proper planting, seasonal care, and a little patience, fruit trees will reward you with beauty, shade, and bountiful harvests year after year.
