Pawpaw (Maria’s Joy)

Description

Maria’s Joy (Lehman 166-13) is a Jerry Lehman pawpaw selection from Indiana—bred from Davis √ó Prolific and shaped by the kind of grower feedback that actually matters: flavor you remember, and fruit size that turns heads.

When it’s truly ripe, Maria’s Joy is repeatedly described as intensely tropical—often compared to mango and pineapple—with a distinct bubblegum note that sets it apart from more standard pawpaw profiles. The flesh is yellow and buttery, with a custard-like texture that rewards patience and proper ripening.

Size is part of the reputation. Fruit is reported up to 1 lb, but more commonly lands in the 8–14 oz range depending on season, crop load, and site. Maria’s Joy also shows up in pawpaw festival conversations, including a commonly cited win at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival in 2012.

Overview

• Lehman selection (166-13) bred from Davis √ó Prolific
• Distinct tropical flavor profile with a well-known bubblegum note
• Yellow, buttery flesh with custard-like texture at full ripeness
• Large-fruited reputation: up to 1 lb; more commonly 8–14 oz
• Pollination required for reliable fruit set

Growing Details

Latin Name: Asimina triloba ’Maria’s Joy’ (Lehman 166-13)Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soilChill Requirement: Not typically expressed in chill hours for pawpaws; performs best in temperate regions with warm summersHardiness: USDA Zone 5–8Rootstock: Grafted onto pawpaw rootstockBearing Age: 3–5 years after plantingSize at Maturity: Typically 15–25 ft tall and wide; can be maintained smaller with pruningBloom Time: Mid-springRipening Time: Late within pawpaw varieties; typically Sept 20–Oct 5 in Frankfort, KY (varies by region)Fruit Weight: Up to 16 oz; more commonly 8–14 oz (varies by season and crop load)Seed Content: Moderate; typically ~6–8% of fruit weight (varies by season and crop load)Texture Class: Creamy custard (smooth, evenly soft at ripeness)Pollination: Pollination required; plant a genetically distinct pawpaw variety within 20–30 feetPests & Diseases: Generally low disease pressure with good airflow and moisture managementYield: Strong producer once established

Additional Notes

• Grower’s Insight: Maria’s Joy is the kind of pawpaw people talk about for flavor—tropical and sweet, with that distinct bubblegum note that makes it instantly recognizable when it’s ripe.
• Regional Insight: In cooler-summer regions like the Puget Sound, full sun is your friend—more sun drives stronger growth and improves your odds of finishing late fruit before fall weather closes in.
• For best eating quality, wait for full ripeness: fruit should soften and become highly aromatic. Underripe pawpaws will not develop the true flavor or texture this cultivar is known for.
• Because pawpaw fruit bruises easily, plan to eat fresh quickly or scoop pulp for freezing.
• Explore more pawpaw varieties in our collection: Pawpaw Trees