Sunflower was discovered in 1970, in the wild, near Chanute, Kansas, by Milo Gibson, and is one of the few pawpaws reported to be self-compatible. One other feature of this variety is that it is among the latest ripening, so late that growers in far northern areas may not get ripe fruit. Sunflower won Best Fruit at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival in 2006 and 2010. Excellent late fruit for farmers markets.
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The Fruit
Fruit few seeds, but large. Usually large fruit size but variable and may produce fruit as small as 6oz.
Fruit Quality Very good.
Fruit’s skin color when ripe yellow
Fruit Flavor very good. Some fruits may have a slight bitter finish.
Fruit texture thick and fleshy, almost chewy.
Flesh color golden yellow.
Fruit size medium to large. Average 8oz.-1lb, Occasionally, some fruits may be more than 1lb.
Production heavy for its small tree size.
Additional information
Botanical name Asimina triloba ‘Wansevwan’ (U.S. PP14452) given the variety name ‘Shenandoah’
Aroma pleasant and mild.
Grafted Yes. On faster growing, specialty rootstock.
Ripening season mid to late. Mid to late September in southern states.
Mature Height 16-18ft.
Mature Width 18-20ft. Sunflower is generally tree wider tree than tall.
Pollination requirements may be self-pollinating, but 2 or more varieties planted 8-15ft. apart are best for increased productivity.
Yield about 75 fruits per tree.
Disease / Insect No major problems with pests or disease
Growth rate medium.
