How to Regenerate Paw Paw Seeds to Plant

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is commonly called paw paw, or poor man's banana. According to California Rare Fruit Growers, paw paw is native to the eastern U.S. woodlands. It needs 400 hours of winter chill and 160 frost-free days and can mature to a height of 20 feet. Paw paw fruit is the largest native American edible fruit and is similar to mango. In order to grow trees from paw paw fruit, you must first "stratify" your seeds before planting.

Fresh paw paw fruit
Bleach
Zip-lock bag
Sphagnum moss or peat moss
Thermometer
Plant pots
Potting soil

Instructions

- 1
  Collect paw paw seeds from mature, ripe fruit, according to Ohio Pawpaw Growers Association. Remove seeds from pulp carefully. Keep moist; do not allow them to dry.
- 2
  Soak paw paw seeds in a 10 percent bleach solution for five minutes. Rinse with tap water to reduce fungus and bacteria contamination during storage.
- 3
  Store seeds in moist sphagnum moss or peat moss. Use one cup of moss to every one cup of paw paw seeds. Place within a tightly sealed plastic baggie and mark with today's date.
- 4
  Place a thermometer inside your refrigerator. Store paw paw seeds inside your refrigerator at around 40 degrees Fahrenheit to stratify. Check the thermometer periodically to make sure the temperature does not drop below 34 degrees or rise higher than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 5
  Remove paw paw seeds from cold storage after 90 to 120 days. Lay paw paw seeds in small pots of damp soil. Cover with 1 inch of well-drained potting soil.
- 6
  Water thoroughly and place pots in a warm, sunny window. Keep moist.
- 7
  Check paw paw seeds for growth after about nine weeks. When shoots begin to emerge and approximately 12 leaves unfold, transplant into a larger container. Plant outside in ground after all danger of frost has passed.

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