Sunflower Pawpaw

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Asimina triloba ‘Sunflower’ – Pawpaw

Sunflower is a pawpaw selection discovered growing in the wild in Kansas by Milo Gibson in 1970. It is known for its exceptionally large fruit, high productivity, and very late ripening season, extending the pawpaw harvest after most other varieties have finished.

The fruit has a rich, tropical flavor with creamy, custard-like flesh often described as a blend of banana, mango, and melon. Sunflower is especially valued for its ability to produce fruit later in the season, helping to lengthen the overall harvest window for pawpaw growers.

This variety is also notable for being one of the few pawpaws considered self-fertile, although yields are often improved when another compatible pawpaw variety is planted nearby for cross-pollination. Trees are typically grown as small understory or edge trees and adapt well once established.

Sunflower performs best in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Ripening Time: Late Season (very late)
Spacing: 12-foot circle
USDA Zones: 5–8
Pollination: Self-Fertile (better yields with another variety)

Plant Characteristics

• Pest Resistance: Excellent
• Disease Resistance: Excellent
• Drought Tolerance: Very Good
• Heat Tolerance: Excellent
• Humidity Tolerance: Excellent
• Sun Tolerance: Excellent
• Wet Soil Tolerance: Good
• Shade Tolerance: Very Good
• No-Spray Potential: Excellent
• Salt Tolerance: Poor
• Fresh for Kids: Very Good
• Deer Resistance: Good
• Thorns: No
• Plant Type: Small Tree
• Soil Type: Adaptable, Rich, Well-Drained
• Edible Type: Fruit
• Self Fertile: Yes

This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Comments and observations are always welcome.