PAWPAW SEEDS

Pawpaw seeds are relatively large, easy to handle, and quite beautiful. Seeds are available for purchase in the fall, from October through March, and are shipped in a state of cold stratification.

Seeds should not be allowed to freeze or dry out and require three months of cold stratification. They may be sown outdoors in the fall, where they will experience winter cold and germinate the following summer. Alternatively, seeds can be kept cold and moist in the refrigerator for three months, then sown indoors in pots filled with potting soil and lightly covered. Seeds should germinate within 10 to 12 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to transplant, they will need individual deep pots to accommodate their taproot. Seedlings started indoors should be hardened off before being moved outdoors.