Pawpaw trees are North America’s best-kept secret—offering large, tropical-tasting fruit with flavors like banana, mango, and melon. While pawpaws are native and resilient, newly planted bare root pawpaw trees require proper watering to survive transplanting and establish healthy root systems.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to water your pawpaw tree before and after planting, how to avoid drought stress, and how to set your tree up for long-term success.

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🪣 Before Planting: Soak the Roots

When your bare root pawpaw tree arrives from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC, start by soaking the roots in clean water for 4–12 hours.

This step is critical because it:

• Rehydrates roots after shipping,
• Helps wake up the tree from dormancy,
• Reduces transplant shock.

💡 Do not soak longer than 24 hours. Plant immediately after soaking for best results.

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🌱 Step 1: Deep Watering After Planting

After planting, water your pawpaw tree slowly and deeply to:

• Settle soil around the roots,
• Remove air pockets,
• Deliver hydration where it matters most.

✅ For best results, add Soil Moist Transplant Mix to the planting hole. It absorbs and stores water, slowly releasing it to the root system between waterings—especially important for young pawpaws, which have sensitive roots and shallow systems early on.

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🗓️ Weeks 1–2: Keep Soil Consistently Moist

Pawpaws do not tolerate dry soil well when young. During the first two weeks:

• Water every 2–3 days, depending on weather and drainage.
• Maintain even soil moisture around the base of the tree.
• Watch for wilting, drooping, or curling leaves—signs the tree is under-watered.

💧 Pawpaws can be picky early on—consistent watering is the key to healthy transplanting.

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🗓️ Weeks 3–8: Deep Watering Once or Twice a Week

Once new leaves begin to grow:

• Water once or twice weekly, depending on temperature, wind, and rainfall.
• Water deeply to encourage root expansion and drought tolerance.
• Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to keep soil cool, moist, and weed-free. Leave a mulch-free gap around the trunk.

🔆 Optional Tip: Pawpaw seedlings appreciate partial shade in the first season. Use shade cloth or companion plantings to prevent sun scald.

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☀️ Drought Conditions: Pawpaw Trees Need Protection

Pawpaws are native, but even native trees struggle if neglected during transplanting. In drought:

• Water deeply twice a week, using 1–2 gallons per watering.
• Water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
• Use mulch and Soil Moist Transplant Mix to maintain moisture and reduce watering frequency.

🌿 A single dry spell during the first 8 weeks can result in transplant failure or long-term stunting—don’t skip the watering!

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🌳 Where’s the Best Place to Buy Bare Root Pawpaw Trees?

That’s easy—Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC

Here’s why:

• ✅ Top-quality bare root pawpaw trees shipped with care
• ✅ Fast shipping so you plant at the right time
• ✅ Lowest prices on hard-to-find native fruit trees
• ✅ FREE 1-Year Plantsurance Guarantee
      → Store credit if your plant doesn’t survive
      → Zero Stress. All Success.

👉 Shop Pawpaw Trees Now