Pawpaw (Maria’s Joy)

Description Maria’s Joy (Lehman 166-13) is a Jerry Lehman pawpaw selection from Indiana—bred from Davis √ó Prolific and shaped by the kind of grower feedback that actually matters: flavor you remember, and fruit size that turns heads. When it’s truly ripe, Maria’s Joy is repeatedly described as intensely tropical—often compared to mango and pineapple—with a distinct bubblegum note that sets it apart from more standard pawpaw profiles. The flesh is yellow and buttery, with a custard-like texture that rewards patience and proper ripening. Size is part of the reputation. Fruit is reported up to 1 lb, but more commonly lands in the 8–14 oz range depending on season, crop load, and site. Maria’s Joy also shows up in pawpaw festival conversations, including a commonly cited win at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival in 2012. Overview Lehman selection (166-13) bred from Davis √ó Prolific Distinct tropical flavor profile with a well-known bubblegum note Yellow, buttery flesh with custard-like texture at full ripeness Large-fruited reputation: up to 1 lb; more commonly 8–14 oz Pollination required for reliable fruit set Growing Details Latin Name: Asimina triloba ’Maria’s Joy’ (Lehman 166-13)Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soilChill Requirement: Not typically expressed in chill hours for pawpaws; performs best in temperate regions with warm summersHardiness: USDA Zone 5–8Rootstock: Grafted onto pawpaw rootstockBearing Age: 3–5 years after plantingSize at Maturity: Typically 15–25 ft tall and wide; can be maintained smaller with pruningBloom Time: Mid-springRipening Time: Late within pawpaw varieties; typically Sept 20–Oct 5 in Frankfort, KY (varies by region)Fruit Weight: Up to 16 oz; more commonly 8–14 oz (varies by season and crop load)Seed Content: Moderate; typically ~6–8% of fruit weight (varies by season and crop load)Texture Class: Creamy custard (smooth, evenly soft at ripeness)Pollination: Pollination required; plant a genetically distinct pawpaw variety within 20–30 feetPests & Diseases: Generally low disease pressure with good airflow and moisture managementYield: Strong producer once established Additional Notes Grower’s Insight: Maria’s Joy is the kind of pawpaw people talk about for flavor—tropical and sweet, with that distinct bubblegum note that makes it instantly recognizable when it’s ripe. Regional Insight: In cooler-summer regions like the Puget Sound, full sun is your friend—more sun drives stronger growth and improves your odds of finishing late fruit before fall weather closes in. For best eating quality, wait for full ripeness: fruit should soften and become highly aromatic. Underripe pawpaws will not develop the true flavor or texture this cultivar is known for. Because pawpaw fruit bruises easily, plan to eat fresh quickly or scoop pulp for freezing. Explore more pawpaw varieties in our collection: Pawpaw Trees