Again, this is not specific to paw paw, but unless you set them directly in the sun or on a heat source, I doubt a week is long enough to kill them. I'd soak them in a bowl of water for an hour or so to rehydrate them before putting them in cold storage. I would guess that paw paw seeds would have less of a mold issue, so you may be able to get away without the long fiber sphagnum. It is hard to find the live stuff which I like best, but you can get the dried long fiber sphagnum at Home Depot and it works too. The link below shows you which sphagnumto use. The stuff that comes in bales comes from a different place in the bog and is fully dead without the antifungal properties of the long-fiber. Here is a link that might be useful: Long Fiber Sphagnum

The link that Dee has given has some misleading information. It is possible that the article is a bit old. Kangaroo Paws can last for a lot longer than three years provided that Ink Spot disease does not get out of control. Kangaroo Paws are native to Western Australia where the soils are free draining and the Summers are very low in Humidity. I am guessing San Diego has a pretty dry climate which would allow you to grow Kangaroo Paws quite easily for ages. However overwatering will encourage Ink Spot. They can also be revived by cutting back almost to the ground. I run the mower over them about every three years or so.

Edible Landscaping is a good choice. Potted pawpaws will be pretty small most likely, either that or shipping can be $$. I've ordered most of my pawpaws bareroot and those are generally best planted in early spring. Pawpaws are are sometimes tricky to establish and it is commonly recommended that you shade the plants for the first season (depending on how small/young the plants are. As I've planted bareroot ones, which are generally larger, I have not had to shade any of mine. You chose good varieties (I have Shananndoah among others) and I've heard good things about the others. I tried grafting Mango this year, but I don't think weather cooperated enough for it to take. You on will need to keep these plants well watered, and naturally they like areas with soil that retains water well. Do not amend the planting hole, your goal is to encourage the roots to grow out in search of sustenance, not spiral around and around in the best soil that you amended. DO mulch well (and if you have compost or other "amendments" put them down on the surface before you mulch. Don't make the mistake of planting too deeply. When all is done the first feeder roots should be just under the mulch or just below the compost surface. Keep the mulch a couple inches from the stem and go out a couple feet. if deer are a regular problem, you will definitely want to protect them. Although I find that for me possums and raccoons are a problem as well. Im jealous as I've never made it to the pawpaw festival. I'm close enough but as a teacher there is no way I can fit that into my schedule at that time of year. other good nurseries are www.nuttrees.com and www.burntridgenursery.com as well as rolling river nursery. Chills

I know blueberries are for the most part very easy to grow For a beginner like me. What would you say about paw paw trees? Are they about as easy? I'm grateful for Any and all advice except I don't care to hear that you don't like the taste lol thanks