When to Plant Pawpaw in Blaine County, OK
April in the garden — Blaine County, Oklahoma
Your Blaine County, Oklahoma garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for April and why each task matters now.
Get ahead of May
- Transplants going out: pawpaw
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.
Blaine County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 719 feet, Blaine County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Pawpaw during the growing season.
Blaine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.4
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 Blaine County
How your county's soil matches Pawpaw's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.4) overlaps with Pawpaw's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Blaine County is excellent for Pawpaw — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help 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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Blaine 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 — Blaine County, OK
Pawpaw Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Blaine County
Growing Tips for Pawpaw in Blaine County
Direct sow Pawpaw outdoors after April 10 in Blaine County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 200.0-day growing season in Blaine 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 Blaine County, OK?
Blaine County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Pawpaw planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Blaine County, OK?
Blaine County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your Blaine County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Blaine County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.