Pawpaw
Pawpaw (Shenandoah) Pollination Guide
Pawpaw (Shenandoah) requires a compatible pollination partner to produce fruit.
Without a different compatible variety nearby, Pawpaw (Shenandoah) will bloom but won't set fruit. You need at least one partner variety planted within 50–100 feet. Choose from the compatible varieties listed below — they bloom at the right time and have compatible genetics.
Pawpaw (Shenandoah) Quick Facts
Chill Hours
400 hours
Hardiness Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Harvest
September to October
Pollination Note
Pawpaws need a genetically different variety — two trees of the same cultivar won't work
Planning Your Orchard
Pawpaws need a genetically different variety for pollination — two trees of the same cultivar won't work. Plant at least two different named varieties 10–15 feet apart. Pawpaw flowers are pollinated by flies and beetles rather than bees, so some growers hang rotting fruit near blooming trees to attract pollinators.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Compatible Pollination Partners
Can I Grow Pawpaw (Shenandoah)?
Check if your climate has enough chill hours for Pawpaw (Shenandoah). Enter your zip code for an instant answer.
Check your zip code →Interactive Pollination Checker
Compare pollination compatibility across all 60+ fruit tree varieties in our database.
Open checker →Most people forget within a year.
Which pairs fruited well, what bloomed when, what you did each season — write it down from the start.
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About Pawpaw (Shenandoah)
Shenandoah is a premium pawpaw cultivar with large fruit, small seeds, and intense tropical flavor — like banana custard with mango notes. It's one of the best-tasting native American fruits.
Growing Challenges
Flowers before leaves emerge, making frost damage common; needs a second pawpaw variety for pollination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close does a pollinator need to be to Pawpaw (Shenandoah)?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Pawpaw (Shenandoah). Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Pawpaw (Shenandoah) tree?
No — Pawpaw (Shenandoah) requires a compatible pollination partner to produce fruit. Without a second tree of a different variety nearby, it will bloom but won't set fruit.
Other Pawpaw Varieties
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Pawpaw (Shenandoah)?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.