I'm looking for some pawpaw fruit too. I'd love to trade for fresh dates. I grow organic dates, and have the variety Barhi that we are picking right now. Thanks Arthur

The degree of self-fertility (or incompatibility, however you want to look at it) of some pear cultivars is reported to differ in different parts of the US. I have no idea why that would be. I have never heard a clear-cut specific testimonial to "Sunflower's" self-compatibility. It's always "reported,"

I have 2 mature trees about 15 years old, as well as 5 younger trees in various stages (2 I just got through the mail about 3 weeks ago!). Here in SE Michigan, I've found them very hardy, attractive, and trouble-free. I don't think you have to do much with them in terms of pests, diseases, etc. Just plant in a good location -- rich, moist soil is best, but they'll do fine in heavy clay even, they DON'T like dry sand, though. And, fertilize them every year with some type of tree and shrub food. Keep it well-watered the first few seasons if there is drought. One thing, though -- you'll never get paw paws with ONE tree -- they're NOT self-fertile to my knowledge, so you're going to have to get a second cultivar in order to get fruit. And, they are pollinated by carrion flies and other dead-flesh feeding flies and beetles. There was an article in 'Michigan Gardener' a few years ago about a paw paw breeder in S. Michigan near Jackson who hung roadkill or large carp in each tree as the blooms opened to increase pollination. I like the idea, but found the roadkill thing too disgusting, so this year, I put some fly bait out of an Ortho fly trap in a dixie cup taped to each tree trunk, and it does appear that MUCH more fruit has set this year than in past years, although it's still a little too early to tell, since they are later in their 'June drop' than are many fruit trees. So, get that second tree ordered this fall or next spring, and in about 3 or 4 years, you should start getting paw paws. Dennis SE Michigan

I got my fresh paw paws last week, actually. The place is called Integration Acres. Their fresh fruit season usually runs from August until mid-October, but since they sent me some just last week, they might still have a few left. Even if they're out of fresh paw paws, they sell jarred and frozen year round. Their spicebush blueberry jam is quite good, too. Here is a link that might be useful: Integration Acres