How to Grow Pawpaw (American)

Updated June 2026

A cool-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Pawpaw (American) is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Pawpaw (American) is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the pawpaw (american) page for exact timing.

Varieties

Shenandoah, Sweet, mild, reliable (specialty nurseries)
Sunflower, Productive, partly self-fertile (specialty nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: part sun to light shade, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 9.8 ft between plants.
Sowing: sow about 2 in deep.
Water: roughly 2.6 gal per plant every 7 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Few pests. In humid regions, Few diseases can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant pawpaw (american) where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

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