Cultivar
NC-1 Pawpaw is a cold-hardy fruit tree that brings tropical flavor to northern gardens, thriving in hardiness zones 4 through 8. This grafted cultivar, also known as Campbell's #1, produces large yellow fruits with thin skin and few seeds, meaning more of that custard-like flesh to enjoy fresh or in desserts. The tree matures to 12 to 15 feet tall and wide, blooming with striking dark purple flowers in spring before ripening its harvest in late September. With 3 to 5 years to first bearing, this is a commitment that pays dividends for patient gardeners seeking something truly unique.
Full Sun
Moderate
5-8
180in H x 180in W
Perennial
High
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What sets NC-1 apart is its exceptional flesh-to-seed ratio and the richness of its tropical flavor in a cold-hardy package. The thin skin means you get more of the good stuff in every bite, and the tree's compact size makes it manageable even in modest spaces. Its striking purple spring blooms add ornamental interest to the landscape, while the golden fall foliage extends its visual appeal well beyond the harvest season. This variety is an offspring of Davis and Overleese parentage, combining desirable traits from both parents into a reliably productive tree.
NC-1 Pawpaw excels as a fresh-eating fruit, best enjoyed when the golden flesh is perfectly ripe and sweet. The thin skin and abundant flesh make it ideal for desserts and fruit preparations where you want to showcase the distinctive tropical character without wrestling with excessive seeds. Many growers enjoy eating the fruit fresh from the tree or incorporating it into custards, ice creams, and baked goods that highlight its creamy texture and subtle flavor.
Plant grafted NC-1 Pawpaw trees in spring after the last frost date in your zone, when soil is workable and frost danger has passed. Choose a location with full sun exposure and well-amended, slightly acidic soil. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, keeping the graft union above soil level to prevent root issues. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture as the tree establishes.
NC-1 Pawpaw ripens in late September, when the skin develops a full golden-yellow color and the fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure. Pick fruit by hand when it reaches this stage, or allow ripe fruits to drop naturally to the ground, fallen fruit is equally good. The thin skin bruises easily, so handle with care. Ripe pawpaws have a short shelf life and are best eaten within a few days of harvest, making them ideal for immediate enjoyment rather than extended storage.
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“NC-1 Pawpaw, also marketed as Campbell's #1, descends from a deliberate cross between the Davis and Overleese pawpaw varieties. This cultivar represents selective breeding work aimed at improving fruit quality and cold hardiness in pawpaws, a North American native fruit that had largely disappeared from cultivation by the 20th century. By combining genetics from proven parent varieties, breeders created a tree that performs reliably across a wider range of climates while delivering the superior flavor and minimal seed content that home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts crave.”