When to Plant Pawpaw in Massachusetts
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.
Massachusetts spans USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.
Find Your County
Click your county for exact Pawpaw planting dates based on your local frost dates.
Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.
Pawpaw Planting Calendar for Massachusetts
▸ Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
▸ Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
▸ Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
▸ Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
Growing Tips for Massachusetts
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.
Pawpaw in Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pawpaw in Massachusetts?
Planting dates for Pawpaw in Massachusetts depend on your USDA zone. Massachusetts spans zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.
What zone is Massachusetts for planting?
Massachusetts contains USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.