What is the proper way to germinate pawpaw seeds?

Question:

What is the proper way to germinate pawpaw seeds?

Answer:

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) seeds germinate slowly because they possess dormant embryos and slowly permeable seedcoats.  Germination can be improved by placing the seeds in a cool, moist environment for 80 to 100 days.  The cool, moist requirement can be met by placing the pawpaw seeds in a moist 50:50 mixture of sand and peat moss and then placing the seeds in the refrigerator.  After 80 to 100 days, remove the seeds from the refrigerator and plant in potting soil.  Keep the potting soil evenly moist and warm (70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) until the seeds germinate.  Germination of pawpaw seeds tends to be slow and erratic.  

Last updated on
February 19, 2022