Description Rebecca’s Gold is a late-season pawpaw selected by J. M. Riley in 1974 from Corwin Davis seed originating in Bellevue, Michigan. It is grown today for eating quality rather than novelty, with emphasis on sweetness and texture when fruit is allowed to finish properly. Grower and seller reports consistently point to a soft, custard-style texture at full ripeness, paired with a sweet, tropical-leaning flavor profile. Like many late cultivars, Rebecca’s Gold rewards patience—fruit quality improves significantly when harvested only after full softness and aroma develop. Fruit size is typically medium, with yellow flesh and a kidney-shaped form commonly noted in descriptions. Ripening late within pawpaw varieties, Rebecca’s Gold is best suited to sites that can provide adequate warmth and sun late in the season. Overview Late-season pawpaw selected by J. M. Riley (1974) Yellow flesh with soft, custard-style texture at ripeness Sweet flavor that develops best when fully finished Medium fruit size with usable pulp Pollination required for reliable fruit set Growing Details Latin Name: Asimina triloba ’Rebecca’s Gold’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 18–Oct 2 in Frankfort, KY (varies by region)Fruit Weight: Medium; varies by season and crop loadSeed Content: Typically ~8% of fruit weight, but can run higher in some crops or sitesTexture Class: Soft custard (melting, very soft at full 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: Moderate once established Additional Notes Grower’s Insight: Rebecca’s Gold shows its best qualities only at full ripeness—soft texture and sweetness improve dramatically when fruit is allowed to finish completely. Regional Insight: As a late cultivar, Rebecca’s Gold benefits from warm microclimates and full sun; in cooler or shorter-season regions, finishing fruit can be more variable. Harvest only when fruit softens and becomes aromatic; underripe fruit will not develop proper flavor or texture. Because late-season pawpaws soften quickly, plan for immediate fresh eating or prompt processing. Explore more pawpaw varieties in our collection: Pawpaw Trees
