How to Grow Pawpaw in Australia
A warm-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Pawpaw rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$4-8/fruit, trees produce year-round in SEQ with minimal care.
This guide covers when to plant Pawpaw in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Pawpaw is a warm-season crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Pawpaw full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 6.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It needs an open garden bed rather than a pot, getting too big or deep-rooted for containers.
Planting
Plant Pawpaw into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 200 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Buy a bisexual (self-fertile) variety like Red Lady or Sunrise Solo to avoid needing male and female trees. Fast from seed (fruit in 12 months) but unpredictable sex. Protect from wind. Feed monthly. In SEQ frost-free zones, pawpaw fruits year-round with minimal care.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 12 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Fruit fly. The main diseases to watch are Papaya ringspot virus, Anthracnose and Phytophthora. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Pawpaw is typically ready to harvest within roughly 10 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Bench until fully ripe (soft, yellow), then fridge for 2 to 3 days.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, pawpaw is good fresh with a squeeze of lime, blended into tropical smoothies, used green (unripe) in Thai salads and made into chutney when slightly unripe. Nutritionally: contains papain enzyme aids digestion and excellent source of vitamin C.
Track Your Pawpaw Growing
Add pawpaw to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pawpaw in Australia?
Pawpaw is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Pawpaw take to grow?
Pawpaw is generally ready to harvest within roughly 10 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Pawpaw in a pot?
It is best grown in an open garden bed rather than a pot, needing more root room than a container gives.
How much sun does Pawpaw need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Pawpaw in the Plant Library
