Paw-Paw’s are known for their health benefits. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. But they generally cannot be purchased in stores or at markets because they are extremely perishable.
When ripe, Paw-Paws have the consistency of vanilla custard. It has the tropical tang of a mango and the sweetness of a melon.
There are some studies that indicate that Paw-Paw’s have actogenins that prevent the growth of cancer cells. However, as with all natural plant remedies, more studies need to be conducted before its effects are fully known. Regardless, the Paw-Paw contains high levels of Vitamin C, nonheme iron, magnesium and manganese. And it has some properties that block microbial growth. Please be advised that regardless of what you read on the internet, Paw-Paw seeds and skin are toxic. Only consume the custard inside the fruit and only when ripe. Paw-Paws will only ripen on the tree, so do not pick until ripe.
You will need to protect your Paw-Paw tree by placing it in a location that is sheltered from extreme wind. The first year that you have your plant it will need to be shaded. (It does need sunlight, but it should be defused sunlight.) But after that, it needs full sun. The reason is because Paw-Paw trees are so sensitive to sunlight in their first few years of growth that full sunlight will actually kill them. However, once they get past the first two to three years, they need full sun. This is one of the reasons Paw-Paw trees are not as abundant. You could use a shade cloth hung above the tree, place tall potted plants with big leaves that cover it around it or use some other form of shade.
The soil needs to be at 5.5 to 7 ph. The tree will not grow in waterlogged soil, so make sure you plant in an area with good drainage. The tree will grow to be about 25′.
Paw-Paw trees are native to the area, however, right here in Garrett County there can be an issue if we get an extremely cold winter. If temperatures drop below 10 below zero, you will want to give your tree some protection, particularly while it is young. Paw-Paw trees do not grow well in Garrett County in the wild due to the elevation, colder summers, deeply cold winters, and heavier clay soil. Though these are a northern Paw-Paw we cannot guarantee it will grow here, though they grow profusely in most of West Virginia. You should consider your purchase an experiment if you live in a higher elevation.
Please be aware that the Paw-Paw trees are only seedlings in one-gallon containers, whereas our other trees are 3′ to 7′ trees. This is the only way that we could make them available to you, as they are more difficult to grow and most nurseries don’t handle them.
