Pawpaw – exotic fruit in a temperate climate

Paw paw (Asimina triloba) is one of the most fascinating fruit trees you can grow in our part of the world. Despite its almost tropical flavor, often described as a blend of mango, banana, and vanilla, the paw paw is not a tropical plant. It originates from eastern North America, where it grows naturally in woodland areas with cool winters and warm summers.

This makes it an obvious choice for growers in Denmark who want something unique – in both flavor and appearance – without having to resort to year-round greenhouse cultivation.

An overlooked delicacy

The paw paw fruit is soft, creamy, and almost dessert-like in texture. It is typically eaten fresh with a spoon, straight from the skin, once ripe. The fruit has a very short shelf life and bruises easily, which is the main reason why it is virtually non-existent in regular retail.

This also means that the paw paw is very much a “grow-it-yourself” fruit – which is precisely why it has become popular among plant enthusiasts and collectors.

The tree also has a distinct aesthetic. The large, elongated leaves provide an almost tropical look in the garden, and in autumn, the foliage takes on a beautiful golden color.

Pollination and fruit set

The paw paw differs from many other fruit trees when it comes to pollination. The flowers are dark red to brownish and evolved to attract flies and beetles rather than bees. In some cases, this can make natural pollination less efficient in Danish gardens.

Many modern varieties are selected with a focus on being self-pollinating, and this also applies to the variants we offer ("sunflower" and "prima x sunflower"). This means that you can achieve fruit set with just one single tree.

Nevertheless, you will generally get a significantly better result by planting several different varieties so they can cross-pollinate. Cross-pollination typically provides:

• more fruits
• larger fruits
• a more stable harvest from year to year

If you have the space, it is therefore highly recommended to combine at least two different varieties.

Growing paw paw in Denmark

The paw paw is far more hardy than its appearance suggests. Established trees can withstand temperatures down to about -20 °C, which makes them fully suitable for Danish conditions.

The first few years are important, however. Young plants thrive best with some protection against both strong sun and harsh wind. In nature, the paw paw often grows as an understory plant at the edges of forests, and this is reflected in its needs when young.

For optimal growth, you should provide the paw paw with:

• a sheltered and protected location
• well-drained, deep, and nutrient-rich soil
• light shade for the first few years – later, preferably more sun

The roots are sensitive and do not like to be disturbed. It is therefore an advantage to plant the tree directly in the spot where it will grow permanently.

Patience is an important part of growing them. The paw paw grows relatively slowly at first, but once the tree is established, it develops steadily and can begin to bear fruit after a few years.

In Denmark, the fruits typically ripen in late summer or early autumn, depending on the variety, the summer's heat, and the location in the garden.

Quality starts with the right planting material

When it comes to paw paw, the quality of both seeds and trees is crucial for success. The choice of variety has a significant impact on flavor, fruit size, ripening time, and the ability to set fruit in our climate.

Therefore, we collaborate with some of the most experienced and dedicated paw paw specialists in Europe – namely Pawpawschule in Germany (www.pawpawschule.de).

Through this collaboration, we ensure that our seeds and trees come from strong, well-documented varieties that have been selected and tested under European conditions. This provides a much better foundation for you as a grower – whether you are a beginner or looking to work more seriously with paw paw.

A fruit tree with potential

The paw paw is still relatively unknown in Denmark, but interest is growing. The combination of exotic flavor, high winter hardiness, and a distinct look makes it an obvious choice for the gardens of the future.

It is a tree that requires some patience – but in return, it rewards you with something few other fruit trees can offer: a completely unique taste experience straight from your own garden.