Pawpaw Care

The paw paw tree likes to be kept in continuously moist soil. This is especially true when the tree is young, so water it thoroughly and regularly to ensure its moisture needs are met. As with any plant, the paw paw tree is susceptible to root rot, so don’t water it to the extreme as this will cause more damage than depriving the tree of water would.

Help young seedlings and saplings establish themselves by fertilizing pawpaw trees with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks for the first growing season. Afterward, use a granular fertilizer or a layer of compost in spring.

The paw paw tree can be grown as a tree or as a shrub, and depending on your intentions, the plant will have slightly different requirements when it comes to light. When grown as a tree, you should plant the tree in a full sun location. This will allow the tree to reach heights of up to 30 feet. If you are growing your paw paw tree as a shrub, then partial shade will be preferable.

Paw paw trees need well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. You can encourage good drainage by adding sand or grit to your soil, working it through your soil to a deep level. Adding some organic matter such as well-rotted compost will also help drainage, and will help your soil to become richer.

The paw paw tree is native to the United States, growing in temperate climates in eastern states. The tree is hardy through USDA growing zones 5 to 9, making it an ideal tree to grow if your region experiences a good balance of temperatures throughout the year, experiencing neither extreme cold or extreme heat.

The seed contains a toxic alkaloid and is poisonous. The leaves can cause dermatitis in a small number of sensitive people. Other reports say that handling the fruit can cause dermatitis

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