Pawpaw Tree Seeds | Custard Apple | (Asimina triloba)
Pawpaw Tree Seeds | Custard Apple | (Asimina triloba)
The forgotten fruit. Worth remembering.
Asimina triloba, the Pawpaw, produces the largest native fruit in North America. Its rich, tropical flavor, often compared to banana and custard, comes from a cold-hardy tree that grows from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast. Once overlooked while imported fruits filled grocery shelves, Pawpaw is now making a strong comeback among food foresters, homesteaders, and anyone who has tasted one ripe off the tree. It is also one of the most wildlife-supportive native trees you can plant, serving as the sole larval host for the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly.
- Largest native fruit in North America with a tropical flavor profile
- Sole larval host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly
- Deep-rooted and shade-tolerant understory tree
- Deer-resistant foliage helps with establishment
- Spreads by root suckers to form productive clonal groves
Things You Probably Didn’t Know
Lewis and Clark relied on it.
During the 1806 expedition, the Corps of Discovery ran low on provisions and subsisted on Pawpaw fruit for several days. Lewis documented them in his journals, and George Washington was known to enjoy them chilled.
It’s tropical at its core.
Pawpaw is the only temperate member of the Annonaceae family, the same group as cherimoya and soursop. It is essentially a tropical fruit that adapted to survive North American winters.
You won’t find it in stores.
The fruit bruises easily and only lasts a few days after ripening, making it nearly impossible to ship commercially. Most people will only ever taste one by growing it themselves.
Deer leave it alone.
The leaves contain natural compounds called acetogenins that make them unpalatable to deer and most browsing animals, giving young trees a major advantage in the wild.
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Asimina triloba
- Stratification: Required; 60–120 days cold moist stratification
- USDA Zones: 5–9
- Soil: Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Height: 15–30 feet
- Spread: 15–25 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Plant in groups of two or more for cross-pollination. Patience rewarded with the most unique fruit you can grow from seed in North America.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
