Fruit Tree
Pawpaw
Asimina triloba
Varieties We Carry
StandardAsimina trilobaSmall-floweredAsimina triloba
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$19.95
3 galFrom$19.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterModerate to High
Mature size15-30 feet × 15-20 feet
About Pawpaw
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is the largest edible fruit native to North America, a deciduous understory tree with large, drooping leaves and custard-like tropical-tasting fruits. It is best suited to North Florida (rated zones 5–8b by UF/IFAS); zone 9b performance is marginal due to insufficient winter chill hours and summer heat stress — select low-chill cultivars if trialing in NE Florida. Starting at $19.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- Purple
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Well-drained, Moist
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Pawpaw grows in full sun to part shade; juvenile trees benefit from some shade while establishing, but mature trees fruit better with more sun. In NE Florida, full sun with adequate moisture is preferred.
Water
Pawpaw prefers consistently moist, rich, slightly acidic soil and will not tolerate drought or standing water. In NE Florida's sandy soils, supplement with regular irrigation and mulch heavily to retain moisture; consider grafted low-chill cultivars, as standard Asimina triloba (rated zones 5–8b) is challenged by zone 9b heat and insufficient chill hours.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in deep, fertile, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–7.0), moist, well-drained soil. Amend NE Florida sandy soil heavily with compost or leaf mold. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring; the tree responds well to organic matter but is not a heavy feeder.
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Common questions
Is Pawpaw a good plant for St. Augustine?
Pawpaw is a fruit tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 15-30 feet × 15-20 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.