| Winner of paw paw contests for best flavor. Maria's Joy Paw Paw has medium to large yellow fleshed fruits. The tree is high yielding. Indiana origin.
ZONE: 5-8
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: Not self-fertile. Needs another nearby for cross-pollination by flies and others drawn by unusual and rank smell of pollen. Unique chocolate brown blooms.
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Full sun to light shade in hot areas, mildly acidic soil that drains well but stays moist. Young plants concentrate on root development for first few years; mulch heavily around roots to minimize competition from grass and weeds. Top dress with compost or manure yearly to keep soil rich. Needs 2,600-degree days; ~160 frost-free days. Long growing season. Summer prune for airflow and ease of harvest. Spur bearer. Watch for active suckering around base & prune, enclose with barrier or mow to keep grove from forming.
CHILL HOURS: 400 hours below 45F
DISEASE RESISTANCE: Very good.
SIZE AT MATURITY: 20' x 10' - small pyramidal tree | 