Pawpaw (Wabash)

Description

Wabash™ is a Neal Peterson pawpaw selected to balance scale, texture, and eating quality. It is commonly chosen by growers who want substantial fruit and dependable performance without pushing harvest timing too early or too late.

The fruit is known for smooth, creamy flesh that stays medium-firm when fully ripe, delivering a satisfying mouthfeel rather than a soft or watery finish. Flavor is typically described as rich and sweet, with clean pawpaw character that shows best when fruit is allowed to soften fully.

Ripening falls squarely in the middle of pawpaw season, making Wabash a reliable centerpiece cultivar that pairs well with both earlier and later varieties in the orchard.

Overview

• Neal Peterson breeding program selection
• Large fruit with good usable pulp
• Medium-firm, creamy custard texture at ripeness
• Rich, sweet flavor profile
• Pollination required for consistent fruit set

Growing Details

Latin Name: Asimina triloba ’Wabash’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: Mid within pawpaw varieties; typically Sept 10–Sept 22 in Frankfort, KY (varies by region)Fruit Weight: Large; varies by season and crop loadSeed Content: Low-moderate; around ~6% of fruit weight (varies by season and crop load)Texture Class: Medium-firm, creamy custard (smooth at full 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: Good once established

Additional Notes

• Grower’s Insight: Wabash is appreciated for balance—large fruit and good pulp without sacrificing texture or pushing harvest timing.
• Regional Insight: As a mid-season cultivar, Wabash fits well across a wide range of pawpaw-growing regions and pairs easily with early and late varieties.
• In some seasons, fruit cracking has been observed as fruit approaches maturity; even moisture late in the season supports better finish.
• Harvest at full softness and aroma to capture the cultivar’s best texture and flavor.
• Explore more pawpaw varieties in our collection: Pawpaw Trees