Pawpaw
Can I Grow Pawpaw (Sunflower)?
Sunflower is the most self-fertile pawpaw variety, making it the best choice if you only have room for one tree. Flavor is excellent with creamy, custard-like texture.
Growing Requirements
Chill Hours
400
Hardiness Zones
5-6-7-8
Harvest
September to October
Pollination
Partially self-fertile (better with Shenandoah)
Results
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About Pawpaw (Sunflower)
Sunflower is the most self-fertile pawpaw variety, making it the best choice if you only have room for one tree. Flavor is excellent with creamy, custard-like texture.
Pawpaw (Sunflower) requires 400 chill hours — the number of hours between 32°F and 45°F during winter dormancy. Without enough chill, the tree may fail to flower properly or produce poor fruit.
⚠️ Common Challenges
Even 'self-fertile' pawpaws produce better with a partner; fruit doesn't store or ship well.
❌ Common Misconception
Will Pawpaw (Sunflower) produce more fruit in colder climates?
Not necessarily. Pawpaw (Sunflower) only needs 400 chill hours. Planting in very cold zones (4 or colder) risks winter damage without improving fruit production. The ideal zones are 5-8 where the tree gets enough chill without excessive cold stress.
Other Pawpaw Varieties
Plan Your Orchard
Log pruning, spraying, and harvests. See what you did last season. All your trees in one place.
Start Tracking Free →Chill hour data from Open-Meteo Historical Weather API. Variety information compiled from university extension services.