When to Plant Pawpaw in Orange County, FL
Pawpaw is the largest native fruit tree in North America, producing tropical-tasting custard-like fruits. Young trees prefer shade but fruiting trees need good light.
Orange County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 3 and the first fall frost is December 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.
At an elevation of 494 feet, Orange County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Pawpaw may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Pawpaw will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Pawpaw root diseases.
Orange County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Orange County
How your county's soil matches Pawpaw's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Pawpaw prefers (5.5–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Orange County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Pawpaw will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Pawpaw.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Pawpaw.
How to Plant Pawpaw
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Pawpaw
Pawpaw needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Pawpaw Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Orange County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pawpaw Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Pawpaw Planting Timeline — Orange County, FL
Pawpaw Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–2555 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
321 days in Orange County
Growing Tips for Pawpaw in Orange County
Direct sow Pawpaw outdoors after February 03 in Orange County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Orange County dries quickly — mulch Pawpaw with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in Orange County, provide afternoon shade for Pawpaw and water deeply in the morning.
Your 322.0-day growing season in Orange County is tight for Pawpaw (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant at least two genetically distinct trees for cross-pollination. Provide shade for young trees. Fruits ripen in fall and have a very short shelf life. Harvest when slightly soft.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pawpaw in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pawpaw in Orange County, FL?
Orange County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 3. Plan your Pawpaw planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Orange County, FL?
Orange County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 3 and first fall frost is December 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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