Article 22602 of rec.gardens:
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From: djd@cbnewsg.cb.att.com (david.j.daulton)
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: Re: PawPaw?
Message-ID: <CDB0FM.KBr@cbfsb.cb.att.com>
Date: 13 Sep 93 17:54:58 GMT
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In article <sharonl.747700192@godzilla> sharonl@informix.com (Sharon Levine) writes:
>I have a feeling this has been discussed, but I missed it.
>What's a pawpaw, what does it taste like?  How large is
>the tree, and would it be possible to grow  one in
>the San Francisco Bay Area.  It gets cold here, and hot,
>and foggy.  Soil is mostly heavy adobe.  
>thanks for any info.

The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is considered by some to be the most delicious
fruit you can grow in colder areas.  However, there is much variability
in flavor among specimens.  So either buy a named variety, or dig up a sucker
from a known good performer.  If digging up a sucker, stick with a very small
one--e.g. 18 inches.  Much bigger than that, and it will probably die.  Also,
protect the plant from sun burn (e.g., with a cheese cloth tent) for a few
years.

I have read that they will bear fruit in San Francisco--but that surprises me,
since their native range stopped just short of the East coast, and I
assumed that meant the coastal weather was too mild (not hot enough) to 
mature their fruit. 

I have read that it is very difficult for Californians to get pawpaws ordered
from "back East" to grow, because of the season differential.  So maybe try
to order from a California nursery.  However, seed from "back East" should not
be a problem.

Pawpaws have lush tropical looking foilage that gives a nice yellow fall
color.  They grow as bushes or small trees, preferring rich soil, especially
along stream banks.  As I recall, they are "out pollintors", so you probably
want to plant at least two, and not the same cultivar (or not dug from the
same area).

Dave Daulton, Columbus, Ohio Zone 5


