Oak-leaf Pawpaw (Vasconcellea quercifolia)
The hardiest of the pawpaws and actually the best flavoured. Unfortunately, the fruits are only the size of an extra-large grape. Unlike the Mountain Pawpaw, Oak-leaf fully ripe fruit has a soft, sweet edible skin as well as pulp. Plants grow very quickly and vigorously and can tolerate dry conditions and mild frosts. Even in Northland, they go dormant over winter but quickly regrow new leaves in spring. They can tolerate some shade. Plants are either male or female and to get the most fruit both are best planted close to each other. Male plants seem to grow more vigorously than females. Plants can begin fruiting within 12 months from seed if grown under favourable conditions. Should be a good tub plant for a deck or patio. Sow seeds at any time of the year at room temperature but not overly warm. Best grown in pots until spring when they can be planted out. You might also enjoy our Vasconcellea hybrids and our Carica papaya ‘Red Lady’ dwarf hybrid
Germination Sow seeds at any time of the year at room temperature but not overly warm. Best grown in pots until spring when they can be planted out.