How to grow Pawpaw in the UK
Asimina triloba
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a fruit that grows well in UK gardens. North American native — tropical flavour somewhere between mango and banana. Needs warm UK garden. This guide covers when and how to sow Pawpaw, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
Type
Fruit
Difficulty
Challenging
Position
partial sun (3–6 hrs)
Sow
spring
Harvest
September, October
When to sow & grow Pawpaw
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep Harvest | Oct Harvest | Nov Plant | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Deep, fertile, well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.0
- Position
- Warm, sheltered sun
- Sowing depth
- Plant to the original soil mark; stake bare-root trees
- Spacing
- 3–4 m
- Sowing
- Plant two for pollination; slow to establish, needs warmth
- Growing
- Water well for the first 3 years; mulch and feed in spring
- Harvest & upkeep
- Minimal pruning; protect young trees from frost
- Watch for
- Generally trouble-free
Companion planting for Pawpaw
No specific companion notes for this plant.
Grow Pawpaw this year
Add Pawpaw to your free 12-month plan and get watering & sowing reminders — no sign-up needed.
Pawpaw FAQs
How much sun does Pawpaw need?
Pawpaw prefers partial sun (3–6 hrs).
When is Pawpaw ready to harvest?
Pawpaw is typically ready to harvest in September, October in the UK.
Is Pawpaw easy to grow?
Challenging. North American native — tropical flavour somewhere between mango and banana. Needs warm UK garden.