Lehman’s Chiffon Pawpaw

"Dessert Lightness" — A mid-season variety with an airy texture and coconut-vanilla notes.

‘Lehman’s Chiffon’ is a unique selection that emerged from the work of the legendary Jerry Lehman and was finalized and introduced by Hector Black. The variety earned its name from its exceptionally light, almost weightless "chiffon-like" flesh texture. It stands out for its delicate, refreshing flavor profile, often compared to a fine gourmet pastry.

 Origin and Selection History

Breeding: Originally developed by Jerry Lehman (Terre Haute, Indiana) as a seedling from a purposeful cross of ‘Prolific’ × ‘Sunflower’.

History of Introduction: The variety owes its name and widespread popularity to Hector Black. It was Hector who brought the fruits from Lehman’s farm to Tennessee.

Selection Site: Hector Black performed the final selection and stabilization of ‘Lehman’s Chiffon’ at his nursery, Hidden Springs (Tennessee), after which the variety became available to the broader gardening community.

 Fruit Characteristics: Flavor and Texture

Flavor Profile: An intensely sweet taste reminiscent of cotton candy, followed by a long, pleasant sweet aftertaste. The bouquet features delicate hints of coconut, vanilla, citrus, or pineapple.

Texture: A creamy sweet texture distinguished by its special lightness and "airiness." The flesh is more delicate than most commercial varieties, yet it maintains its form well.

Distinctive Feature: A minimal presence of the astringent aftertaste common in wild forms, making it an ideal dessert variety for fresh consumption.

 Ripening and Yield

Ripening Time: Mid-season. The fruits mature in the middle of the season, ensuring optimal sugar accumulation.

Productivity: The variety produces abundant crops (heavy crops). The tree is prone to heavy fruit loading, with fruits often growing in compact clusters.

Pollination: High fruit-setting ability; the variety often demonstrates good results even without manual pollination.

 Tree Characteristics

Growth: Moderate vigor with an upright canopy form. The tree is highly ornamental.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–8 (withstands temperatures down to -25...-28 °C / -13...-18 °F).

 Advantages and Disadvantages

Main Advantages:

Exceptional Sweetness: One of the most delicate varieties in terms of flavor characteristics.

History and Reliability: A variety tested by masters (Lehman and Black) and the Hidden Springs nursery.

Textural Gold Standard: Features the unique "chiffon" mouthfeel.

Main Disadvantages:

Size: Fruits are small to medium.

Delicacy: Due to its soft texture, the fruit requires careful harvesting and is not intended for long-distance transport.

 Technical Datasheet

Name: Asimina triloba ‘Lehman’s Chiffon’.

Genetics: Prolific × Sunflower (Selected by Hector Black at Hidden Springs).

Ripening Time: Mid-season.

Flavor: Sweet, coconut/vanilla/pineapple, sweet aftertaste.

Texture: Creamy, airy (chiffon-like).

Yield: Abundant (very high).

Hardiness: Down to -28 °C (-18 °F).

 Catalog Summary

‘Lehman’s Chiffon’ is a variety with a rich history, combining the genius of Jerry Lehman with the professional eye of Hector Black. It is the perfect choice for gourmets who appreciate a unique "chiffon" texture and the sophisticated aroma of a coconut dessert. Its mid-season ripening and heavy yields make this variety one of the most desirable additions to private collections

Some people to know who are creating the next generation of pawpaw & mentoring. Pic#3, Dingus left with Terry Castellow right.

Terry Castellow is a highly trusted independent nurseryman, expert grafter, and active community pillar. Terry Castellow interacts with the international pawpaw community via Pawpaw Lovers Worldwide & Pawpaw Fanclub International. Terry is one of the few sources of 'Lehman's Chiffon' an extremely limited highly sought after Jerry Lehman cultivar. Terry has it & Triloba Tracker has it. And Timothy Lane just barely got it this year.

Pomper is the Administrator of Pawpaw Fanclub International.

Pic #2 Ismail Pereira with Timothy Lane, during the planting.

Pic #3 Ismail Pereira with Timothy Lane during the 2025 International PawPaw Conference

3 additional fruits were harvested on the 8th. All between 688grams & 730grams each. Fruits are near blemish free. TrilobaTracker will probably wait until fully ripe on the counter to cut them open. At which time there will be an update.

Pawpaw ‘Overleese’™

"The Gold Standard and Patriarch of Selection" — A Timeless Classic Since 1950.

Overleese is not merely a variety; it is a living legend in the world of pawpaws. Selected in 1950 by W. B. Ward in Rushville, Indiana, this cultivar has remained the benchmark against which all new varieties are measured for decades. Its genetics served as the foundation for modern breeding: it is the parent tree for such acclaimed stars as Shenandoah, NC-1, VE-21, IXL, ‘Summer Delight’™, SAA-Overleese, SAB-Overleese.

Historical Roots and Origin

The variety was discovered on the estate of the Overleese family. It is significant to note that this property is located in close proximity to four Indiana townships that were hubs of active pawpaw selection and breeding in the early 20th century. This is where the field's first prominent pioneers worked—James A. Little, Benjamin Buckman, and several others. This provides strong grounds to believe that 'Overleese' was not a random wild seedling, but rather the result of natural seed dispersal from the elite selections of these previous masters.

Fruit Characteristics: Flavor That Improves With Time

Flavor Profile: Classic, mild, and sweet with pronounced notes of banana and mango. A unique feature of this variety is that upon full ripening (as the skin darkens), the flavor becomes even richer, developing deep undertones of creamy butterscotch and a pleasant melon aftertaste.

Flesh: Yellow-orange with a "divine" custard-like texture that literally melts in the mouth.

Size and Shape: Large fruits with an oval or rounded shape. Average weight ranges from 170–250g (6–9 oz), with individual specimens reaching up to 15 cm in length.

Quality: In 2011, the variety won "Best Fruit" at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival, proving its unwavering relevance even 70 years after its introduction to cultivation.

Ripening and Yield

Season: Early to mid-season (mid-September in Kentucky, early October in northern regions).

Storage: The fruits maintain their quality for an impressively long time, a rarity among classic heirloom varieties.

Transportability and Commercial Value

Thanks to its firm flesh and resilient skin, 'Overleese' demonstrates excellent transportability. This makes it one of the few historical varieties still successfully utilized in commercial orchards today.

Tree Characteristics

Hardiness: A reliable and stable variety, suitable for USDA Zones 5–9 (hardy down to -28°C / -18°F).

Pulp-to-Seed Ratio: Features a very low seed content (approximately 10%), ensuring a high yield of edible fruit. Sugar levels reach an impressive 19.7–20.7° Brix.

Why Choose Overleese?

This is the choice for those seeking reliability tested by generations. 'Overleese' offers the perfect balance between exquisite flavor and impressive fruit size. Its ability to become even more delicious through "curing" (letting it sit after harvest) makes it a favorite for private collectors and professional farmers alike.

Catalog Summary

Overleese is the architect of modern pawpaw standards. Large, sweet fruits with a butterscotch finish and minimal seeds make it a mandatory addition to any collection. If you wish to grow a true vintage pawpaw that gave life to the finest modern hybrids—choose Overleese.

****PETERSON VIDEO, Kanawha Reveal at Sept 2025 International Festival ****
Peterson's cultivar distributors try Kanawha.
Kanawha Reveal, Peterson's F3 Interspecific PawPaw Festival Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGabuqLNVQM

USA & Canada
https://www.petersonpawpaws.com/nurseries/
Europe
https://www.petersonpawpaws.com/european-nurseries/
Japan
Kobayashi Nursery Co., Ltd. (Japan)
www.kobayashinursery.jp
info@knc944.com
No direct email – go to their
contact page to fill out a form.
+81(0)48-296-3598

Very had to find. Bob Johnson is growing it & has ripe fruits right now!!!

increased aeration dramatically increased germination & vigor, but now seedling could be damaged during any attempt to intervene.
Let nature take it's course.

I suggest: 5 gallon to 30 gallon cloth planting bag. mix Coco Coir with the sand, as ​it has a high friction coefficient. plus holds far more moisture & maintains aeration. it wets easy retains moisture longer & has superior aeration

Rare fruit plants & rare wild selections of PawPaw.
Educational classes & more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUH-_gKFoAg
Horn PawPaw Festival

PawPawTrees
North London PawPaws
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZRatD9t7mk

Best way to harvest Boron in a soluble organic form is composted grasses & manure of grass fed animals.
Best way to avoid Boron toxicity is to pH down with Bone Meal & Gypsum.

Boron deficiency reduces: blooming, fruit set, fruit size, fruit quality, sweetness, storage life, skin thickness & strength, Nitrogen assimilation, Calcium assimilation, Potassium assimilation.

Boron deficiency increases: early fruit drop, fruit cracking, disease, branch breakage.

https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/8/992

https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/hortsci/55/7/article-p1026.xml

https://tarim.etimaden.gov.tr/en/cell-wall-and-membrane-stability

Composting with grass clippings & fertilizing with manure from grass or alfalfa eating animals, is the best fertilizer for pawpaw.
all nut trees, blackgum, sweetgum, tulip tree, pines, American Beech, Sugar Maple, Yellow Birch & especially American Chestnut which used to dominate the habitat, all put Boron into organic form on the surface!
So PawPaw is an understory tree that thrived on the symbiosis of that environment.
simply use things that love Boron like grass as mulch & fertilizer!
Dark green areas should also consider doing Boron preBlossom stimulation late July.

720 to 730nm FarRed is the frequency which prepares prebuds for dormancy!
660nm DeepRed is the preblossom WakeUP frequency!
These are the 2 frequencies that activate PawPaw node Iron protein phytochromes.
If & only if StemCells called MeriStems can assimilate Calcium.
if Calcium deficient, 5 weeks before expected preblossom buds put 2oz Gypsum in the soil.
3 weeks before preblossom buds spray the nodes closest to the trunk with Borax at (1/100th) teaspoon, or very small pinch, per gallon of 120F water, which stimulates Calcium assimilation.
Saturate those nodes!
10 days before normal prebud shine FarRed 730nm LED light on those desired nodes that got Borax.
XP-E2 far red
E07xPro Far-Red
In the spring a 660nm LED deep red is best for blossom bud Wake-Up
Deep Red 660nm
24 Watt Deep Red 660nm
https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/resources/pdfs/fr-radiation.pdf
https://www.tcpi.com/far-red-horticulture-products/
https://totalgrowlight.com/blog/demystifying-far-red-light-for-growers/
Sorry but pot-heads do the best blooming research.
This is clear & easier to understand than the scientific papers.
Not a recommendation for the plant itself.
What Does Red Light Do for Plants? A Grower's Guide
Introduction to Far Red Light
How To Use Far-Red Light To Boost Flowering In Plants
FarRed Maximizing Yield
Phytochromes are Iron proteins made by Zinc proteins.
So it's also important to have correct Iron & Zinc levels, plus chill hours.
Cyanamide a slightly hazardous product, can also be optionally used to boost blooming & compensate for low chill hours.
Potassium nitrate spray on the nodes in the spring, if in a low Potassium zone, will increase blooming even if chill hours were low.
Feel free to ask questions.
it's been asked how long of a 660nm & 720nm exposure.
Pawpaw Genome Project just barely started.
pawpaw Phytochrome genes controlled by 43 NAC genes, yet interconnected with their WRKY immune system genes.
Their 43 NAC genes, are hormone regulation genes, including blooming.
WRKY control where ATP goes & what it's used for.
There is over 12 Organelle catagories & over 300 unique sub-group Organelles in PawPaw.
These are unresearched observations.
Following a more cautious approach than that used by potheads is advised.
AI claims that expert Potheads claim:
1 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ of 660nm on a node will induce blooming.
This isn't researched by Kirk Pomper of anyone else on pawpaw yet.
My calculation is:
a 10 lux 660nm light at a distance of 3ft for 1 hour.
20 Lux 660 3ft for 20 minutes.
A higher intensity doesn't increase the blooming.
It's driven more by duration & lower intensity for 4 hours is claimed best.
Perhaps targeted leaf pulling north side of canopy?
and white cardboard white plastic under the tree to bounce light inside the canopy light July?
I'm guessing.
needs to be low intensity red light in the canopy for a longer duration!
& Sunbouncers in spring white deflector to bounce sunlight onto the dark side of the tree at bud break.
It's a Good question!
wish I had better answers. This is the first article of its kind & we are learning.

In general PawPaw are fully ripe 2 weeks after squires have eaten them.
This has been a public service announcement.
The PawPaw in the pick is Atwood, a very disease resistant cultivar.
Atwood is the seedling of a premium wild tree, from seeds Neal Peterson gifted Kirk Pomper of KSU.
Atwood is 100% Native American cultivar DNA.
Check your soil Copper levels, Atwood performs superior in high Calcium & high Iron soils, yet very poorly in high Copper soils.
Give Atwood (Bone Meal & Gypsum) in the soil & spray it's young leaves with (Iron EDDHA & Zinc EDTA), if in a high Copper environment to restore growth.
Works of other cultivars too, if the reason is Copper.
If the reason is something else then tag me.

Pawpaw ‘Summer Delight’™

"Summer Bliss" — An ultra-early breakthrough in pawpaw breeding.

Summer Delight is a unique variety introduced by the renowned breeder Cliff England (England’s Orchard, Kentucky). As a hybrid of the famous Sunflower and Overleese cultivars, it caused a sensation in the pomological world due to its anomalously early ripening. This allows the pawpaw season to begin a full month earlier than almost any other variety.

 Fruit Characteristics: The Flavor Standard

Flavor Profile: A mild, complex tropical flavor that harmoniously blends notes of mango, banana, and pineapple. Cliff England describes it as "unbelievably delicious" with a pleasant melon-like aftertaste. The flavor remains clean, with no bitterness even when fully ripe.

Flesh: Bright yellow, remarkably tender, creamy, and uniform in texture.

Size and Shape: Medium to large fruits, weighing between 200g and 340g (7–12 oz). They possess an attractive appearance and a symmetrical shape.

Seed Content: The seed-to-pulp ratio is record-low—only 4–5% of the total weight—providing up to 96% pure edible flesh.

 Ripening Season: An Ultra-Early Start

The primary feature of this variety is its ripening time: the last week of July or the first week of August (in Kentucky). It is the earliest variety among all commercially available pawpaws. The fruit is ready for consumption just 3.5–4 months after blooming, making it indispensable for extending the fresh pawpaw season.

 Transportability and Storage

Unlike many early-season varieties, Summer Delight fruits possess a thick, dense skin with a yellowish-cream tint. This provides excellent shippability and allows the fruit to store well in refrigeration—a rare quality for an early-ripening pawpaw.

 Growth and Maintenance Highlights

Tree Habit: Compact (4.5–6 meters / 15–20 ft), with a slightly slower growth rate compared to more vigorous cultivars. Topping the tree at about 1 meter (3 ft) is recommended to develop a manageable canopy.

Onset of Bearing: This variety requires patience; however, the exceptional quality of the harvest is well worth the wait.

Pollination: Requires cross-pollination with another variety. Hand pollination significantly increases yields.

Hardiness: High resilience, USDA Zones 5–9 (withstanding temperatures down to -28°C / -18°F). Mature trees demonstrate excellent endurance.

 Why Choose Summer Delight?

It is the perfect choice for those who wish to enjoy fresh pawpaws in the height of summer. The combination of thick skin, exquisite tropical flavor, and minimal seeds makes this variety a "gold standard" for private gardens and artisanal commercial orchards alike.

 Catalog Summary

Summer Delight is the variety that gets ahead of time. Its fruits arrive on the table while other varieties are just beginning to fill out. If you are looking for a pawpaw with the best balance of early ripening, flavor, and transportability—this is your "Summer Delight."

Pawpaw ‘Overleese’™

"The Gold Standard and Patriarch of Selection" — A Timeless Classic Since 1950.

Overleese is not merely a variety; it is a living legend in the world of pawpaws. Selected in 1950 by W. B. Ward in Rushville, Indiana, this cultivar has remained the benchmark against which all new varieties are measured for decades. Its genetics served as the foundation for modern breeding: it is the parent tree for such acclaimed stars as Shenandoah, NC-1, VE-21, IXL, ‘Summer Delight’™, SAA-Overleese, SAB-Overleese.

 Historical Roots and Origin

The variety was discovered on the estate of the Overleese family. It is significant to note that this property is located in close proximity to four Indiana townships that were hubs of active pawpaw selection and breeding in the early 20th century. This is where the field's first prominent pioneers worked—James A. Little, Benjamin Buckman, and several others. This provides strong grounds to believe that 'Overleese' was not a random wild seedling, but rather the result of natural seed dispersal from the elite selections of these previous masters.

 Fruit Characteristics: Flavor That Improves With Time

Flavor Profile: Classic, mild, and sweet with pronounced notes of banana and mango. A unique feature of this variety is that upon full ripening (as the skin darkens), the flavor becomes even richer, developing deep undertones of creamy butterscotch and a pleasant melon aftertaste.

Flesh: Yellow-orange with a "divine" custard-like texture that literally melts in the mouth.

Size and Shape: Large fruits with an oval or rounded shape. Average weight ranges from 170–250g (6–9 oz), with individual specimens reaching up to 15 cm in length.

Quality: In 2011, the variety won "Best Fruit" at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival, proving its unwavering relevance even 70 years after its introduction to cultivation.

 Ripening and Yield

Season: Early to mid-season (mid-September in Kentucky, early October in northern regions).

Storage: The fruits maintain their quality for an impressively long time, a rarity among classic heirloom varieties.

 Transportability and Commercial Value

Thanks to its firm flesh and resilient skin, 'Overleese' demonstrates excellent transportability. This makes it one of the few historical varieties still successfully utilized in commercial orchards today.

 Tree Characteristics

Hardiness: A reliable and stable variety, suitable for USDA Zones 5–9 (hardy down to -28°C / -18°F).

Pulp-to-Seed Ratio: Features a very low seed content (approximately 10%), ensuring a high yield of edible fruit. Sugar levels reach an impressive 19.7–20.7° Brix.

 Why Choose Overleese?

This is the choice for those seeking reliability tested by generations. 'Overleese' offers the perfect balance between exquisite flavor and impressive fruit size. Its ability to become even more delicious through "curing" (letting it sit after harvest) makes it a favorite for private collectors and professional farmers alike.

 Catalog Summary

Overleese is the architect of modern pawpaw standards. Large, sweet fruits with a butterscotch finish and minimal seeds make it a mandatory addition to any collection. If you wish to grow a true vintage pawpaw that gave life to the finest modern hybrids—choose Overleese.

Pawpaw ‘Davis’™

"Time-Tested Reliability" — A Classic Michigan Heirloom for Northern Climates.

Davis is one of the most significant historical pawpaw varieties, serving as a cornerstone for many modern breeding programs. Selected in the 1950s by the esteemed breeder Corwin Davis from the wild in Michigan, this cultivar has proven itself as a hardy, stable, and remarkably reliable performer, perfectly adapted to temperate climates.

 History and Breeding Significance

Discovered in 1959 near Bellevue, Michigan, 'Davis' was one of the first varieties to gain widespread popularity among orchardists. It served as essential parent material for many later elite selections—including several developed before the arrival of the Peterson Pawpaws—and is still valued today for its "clean" genetic profile and vigorous growth energy.

 Fruit Characteristics: Exotic Freshness

Flavor Profile: Sweet with classic banana-mango notes. It stands out from many other varieties with a brighter, fresher palate and a unique, slightly tart passionfruit aroma.

Flesh: Beautiful light-yellow color, creamy and succulent in texture.

Size and Shape: Elongated-oval fruits, typically 13–15 cm (5 inches) in length. Weight generally ranges from 150–340g (5–12 oz), averaging around 300g, making them ideal for individual servings.

Appearance: The skin remains a greenish-yellow upon ripening (the yellowing is less intense compared to the Sunflower variety).

Seed Content: Good pulp-to-seed ratio, with seeds accounting for only about 6–8% of the fruit's volume.

 Ripening and Storage

Season: Mid-to-late or late season. In northern latitudes, it ripens during the first week of October; in warmer regions, harvest begins in late September.

Logistics: One of the key advantages of 'Davis' is its excellent shelf life. The fruits hold their quality in cold storage significantly better and longer than most other classic varieties, making it highly attractive for commercial marketing.

 Tree Characteristics

Growth Vigor: An energetic tree with a fast growth rate, tending toward a compact, vertical canopy. Mature height reaches 4–6 meters (13–20 ft).

Productivity: Stable and predictable, yielding 11–19 kg (25–42 lbs) per mature tree.

Onset of Bearing: Grafted trees typically begin to fruit in 3–5 years.

Hardiness: Extremely cold-tolerant (USDA Zones 5–9, down to -28°C / -18°F), making it an ideal choice for a variety of temperate climates.

 Why Choose Davis?

Unmatched Hardiness: Decades of proven performance in the cold Michigan climate.

Refined Palate: The subtle hint of passionfruit adds a layer of sophistication often missing in "heavier," musky varieties.

Practicality: Due to its fruit firmness and storage stability, you can enjoy your harvest over a longer period.

 Catalog Summary

Davis is a classic that never goes out of style. A dependable Michigan variety that delivers consistent yields of sweet fruit with a unique tropical twist. If you need a hardy tree that is guaranteed to thrive in cold winters and provide high-quality, long-lasting fruit, 'Davis' is a perfect foundation for your orchard.

Pawpaw Asimina triloba ‘Big Sweet Boobs’
​Cultivar Name: ‘Big Sweet Boobs’
Originator / Breeder: Steven Holemans, "Bessen en Pawpaw" (B&P) Selection and Breeding Center, Belgium.
Pedigree: A premier select seedling derived from a controlled, targeted inter-varietal hybridization program.

​Cultivar Status: Elite large-fruited European selection; optimized for commercial applications.

​Origin History and Breeding Specifics

​This cultivar is the result of long-term private breeding work carried out by the prominent Belgian pawpaw introducer and researcher, Steven Holemans. Unlike many European selections that originate as chance wild discoveries, ‘Big Sweet Boobs N 1’ is the product of deliberate, artificial cross-pollination utilizing top-tier global genetic lines.

​The variety was selected by the breeder for its unique combination of giant fruit size, high productivity under Western and Central European conditions, and an unprecedented post-harvest shelf life for this species. The eccentric cultivar name is purely descriptive, reflecting the distinctively oblong-oval, heavily padded, and voluminous shape of the fruit.

​Morphological and Agronomic Traits

​Growth Vigor and Canopy: The tree develops with a classic, highly symmetrical pyramidal growth habit. It exhibits strong vegetative vigor and demonstrates excellent adaptability to various soil types suitable for standard pome and stone fruit orchards.

​Winter Hardiness: Exceptional. The plant is completely acclimated to European winter conditions, sustaining no injury during temperature drops down to -25^\circ\text{C} and below (USDA Zones 5–6).

​Productivity: This selection is categorized as a high-yielding, intensive cultivar. It demonstrates reliable, annual cropping with a trend toward a rapid increase in cumulative yield weight. The verified average yield of the original mother tree in Belgium over recent seasons stands at 25–30 kg of fruit per tree annually.

​Pomological Fruit Characteristics

​Mass and Form: The fruits are massive, heavy, thick, and round-oval in shape. The average market-grade weight ranges between 200 and 500 g. The fruits are borne on the tree both individually and in dense, weighty clusters.

​Flavor Profile: The organoleptic quality is profound, intensely sweet, and dessert-grade, completely devoid of any skin bitterness or resinous aftertaste. The flavor bouquet presents a harmonious tropical blend dominated by clear notes of ripe banana and succulent mango. The pulp texture is velvety, ultra-creamy, dense, and entirely free of fiber.

​Shelf Life and Storage: The primary selection and commercial advantage of this cultivar. While fruits of most standard pawpaw varieties are extremely fragile and perish within days of harvest, the crop of ‘Big Sweet Boobs nr 1’ can be stored under standard refrigeration conditions for 4 to 6 weeks without any loss of firmness, market appearance, or organoleptic quality.

​Ripening Window

​Based on its seasonal vegetative timeline, this cultivar is firmly classified within the late-ripening group. Under temperate European climatic conditions, peak harvest and consumption occur through October and November. These late maturity dates offer high market utility, significantly extending the overall fresh-market availability window for pawpaws.

​Summary

​As of 2026, ‘Big Sweet Boobs N 1’ stands out as one of the most promising and original pawpaw cultivars developed in Europe. Combining exceptional pomological metrics (weights up to 500 g), a proven yield capacity of 30 kg per tree, and a species-defying shelf life of up to 1.5 months, this Steven Holemans introduction represents a valuable asset for professional connoisseurs and a top-tier candidate for commercial orchard production

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba): "Mychurinka" Variety (also "Michurinska")

"The Most Reliable Choice for the Northern Forest-Steppe and Polissya"

Origin and Breeding History

Despite its name, ‘Michurinka’ is a purely Ukrainian cultivar, developed by specialists at the "Novokakhovske" Research Farm (Kherson region) under the Rice Institute of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences (NAAS) of Ukraine.

Breeders: Renowned scientists V.M. Derevyanko, O.A. Hrabovetska, and S.Yu. Khokhlov.

Official Status: The cultivar was officially entered into the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine in 2008. It is the result of decades of selective breeding focused on the most resilient and early-ripening forms adapted to the expansion of pawpaw cultivation into northern latitudes.

Morphological and Biological Traits

Tree Habit: Medium-sized and compact, reaching a height of up to 3.5 m with a neat, oval (egg-shaped) crown. Its restrained growth makes it ideal for small private gardens and intensive commercial orchards.

Productivity: Known for stable, high yields (18–23 kg per tree) without biennial bearing. Fruits are typically produced in compact clusters of 3–4 units.

Hardiness: One of the most resilient cultivars available. Its exceptional frost resistance allows the tree to overwinter and fruit reliably in northern regions such as Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy.

Fruit Characteristics

Shape and Weight: A large-fruited cultivar. According to the official description, the fruits possess a specific narrow-conical shape. The average fruit mass is 250 g, with exceptional specimens reaching record weights of 270 g under optimal management.

Flesh and Skin: The skin is thin and greenish-yellow at maturity. The flesh is a rich yellow color, distinguished by its high juiciness and melting texture.

Seed Content: The seed-to-pulp ratio is among the lowest of any cultivar—only 8–11%—indicating a very high yield of edible pulp. A typical fruit contains 10–14 seeds.

Flavor Profile

The fruits of ‘Michurinka’ are highly aromatic with a consistently sweet dessert flavor. The bouquet combines:

Classic notes of ripe banana.

Delicate hints of melon.

A pleasant fragrance without excessive wild astringency.

Ripening Period

In the State Register, the cultivar is classified as mid-season (main harvest from September 10th to 20th). However, a key strategic advantage of ‘Michurinka’ is its ability to ripen fully and accumulate sugars even in seasons with limited sunlight or during unusually cool summers.

Summary

‘Michurinka’ is the ideal solution for gardeners in Central and Northern Ukraine. The combination of its official status as a large-fruited variety (250–270 g), its unique narrow-conical shape, and its exceptional frost hardiness makes it a foundational cultivar for those seeking a guaranteed harvest of exotic fruit in temperate continental climates

Pawpaw Asimina triloba ‘Eva’

"The Uzhhorod Elongated Selection"

​Origin and Breeding History

The ‘Eva’ cultivar is a standout, high-potential second-generation seedling grown by Vitaliy Bilets in the outskirts of Uzhhorod, Ukraine. The genetic history of this form illustrates a successful path of multi-generational acclimatization: the parent trees were originally obtained as two-year-old seedlings from Nova Kakhovka (a major center for plant introduction in Southern Ukraine), then moved and cultivated in Crimea (Nasypne). In 2010, seeds from those Crimean trees were brought to the Transcarpathian region.

​The breeder grew the plant in a 3-liter container for three years before transplanting it into open ground in the spring of 2014. ‘Eva’ is a non-grafted, own-rooted tree that stands on par with world-class commercial cultivars, producing fruits weighing up to 450 g.

​Morphological and Biological Traits

​Tree Habit: At 16 years of age, the tree demonstrates high vigor and natural resistance to diseases and pests.

​Foliage: A key identifying feature—the leaves are elongated and narrower than typical forms, reaching up to 30 cm in length. They possess a distinct, light lime-green tint.

​Developmental Cycle: First flower buds appeared in the 3rd year after transplanting (6 years total age), with stable fruiting beginning at age 7. Productivity increases with age, characterized by the formation of more clusters (2–5 fruits per cluster).

​Ripening Period: Fruits ripen gradually over 3–4 weeks, beginning in the first decade of September.

​Pollination: Requires cross-pollination (e.g., with the ‘Adam’ selection). It is actively pollinated by various insects, including nocturnal species.

​Fruit Characteristics

​Shape: Distinctly elongated, with a cucumber-like contour.

​Size and Weight: A large-fruited selection. Fruit mass is consistently high, with record-breaking specimens reaching 450 g.

​Appearance: At full maturity, the skin acquires a unique whitish-yellowish hue, which serves as a reliable visual indicator of ripeness.

​Flesh: White with a noticeable yellow tint. The consistency is creamy, soft, and highly succulent. Seed content is moderate (1–13 seeds per fruit).

​Flavor Profile

​Taste: An intense and vibrant tropical cocktail. The profile is dominated by notes of mango, papaya, and banana, with subtle hints of melon and persimmon.

​Notes: Very sweet. In overripe fruits, a subtle, sophisticated bitterness may be detected immediately under the skin. The highest quality flavor is found in fruits that drop naturally from the tree.

​Summary

‘Eva’ by Vitaliy Bilets is a prime example of successful adaptation of southern genetics to the climate of Western Ukraine. The combination of record fruit mass (450 g), a unique elongated shape, and a refined flavor profile makes this form highly promising for vegetative propagation and official recognition as a distinct Ukrainian cultivar.