The Problem with Pawpaws

Native paw paw trees are supposed to be easy to grow. On the latest You Bet Your Garden, host Mike McGrath will help you figure out what to do when the famed “Banana of the North” doesn’t produce its distinctive fruits. Plus, your fabulous phone calls!

Question of the Week:

I have two pawpaw trees planted about ten feet apart (I think the varieties are ‘Wells’ and ‘Sunflower’). They’re around five years old and growing well. For the past two springs, they’ve set blossoms nicely, raising my hopes of getting my first crop of fruit, but within a few days, the flowers all dropped and no fruit developed. Not one. The trees appear very healthy otherwise. What could be wrong? I remember you fondly from your Organic Gardening days and appreciate your guidance!
—Ron in Cold Spring, New York

Mike’s unexpectedly gruesome pawpaw advice »

Image: Anna Hesser