Raleigh Pawpaw

08/30/2026

05/09/2026

There's always more work around here...

04/26/2026

We're in the midst of drought across NC but we finally got a heavy rain last night. I haven't had a measurable amount of rain since April 5th with lots of days in the 80's.

04/19/2026

Will this be the 2026 prize winner? Despite our current drought, my trees are showing a much better fruit set than last year. This cluster is one of several currently on the same Potomac cultivar tree that gave me a cluster of 3 fruits that totaled almost 7 pounds! The largest was 2 pounds 11 ounces when it came off the tree on Sept 3rd (about 1219 grams) and officially weighed in at 1157 grams on Sept 13th after losing some water weight.

04/10/2026

Pawpaw orchard tour! Short notice announcement for Saturday April 11th, 12:00 pm in Northwest Raleigh! $20, open to the first 10-12 people who message and confirm reservation (tour by reservation only, please!!). I'm not adding it to the website or eventbrite or anything, so payment can be made in person. You will also have first access to pawpaw seedling sales - we have lots!

The orchard is still in bloom (this video was from last August) and fruit is just starting to form.
Some of the topics covered:
• Tree biology basics
• Timing of pruning and scion collection
• Pollination
• Proper tools & Sanitation
• Pest Identification & management
The tour should be about 1.5-2 hours.

04/04/2026

How am I the first? Someone let me know yesterday that I'm the first to upload an observation of the Pawpaw Peduncle Borer (Talponia plummeriana) in the pupal stage to iNaturalist. I have the worst good luck; this was oddly motivating this morning to get out in the orchard and document more and spend some time in nature. This year I'm fighting a full blown infestation of PPB moths in the orchard. Today I removed every unpollinated, dying flower within reach from the orchard, as many had caterpillars and newly pupating borers in them. The silver lining today is that (fingers crossed) fruit set is looking much better than last year.