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When to Plant Pawpaw in Wise County, TX

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.

Wise County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.

At an elevation of 3,288 feet, Wise County receives approximately 53.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Pawpaw during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Pawpaw, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Pawpaw root diseases.

Wise County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
231 days
Last Spring Frost March 25
231 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Wise County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Pawpaw Planting Timeline — Wise County, TX

Pawpaw Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 15 Apr 15 – Apr 29

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–2555 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

231 days in Wise County

Growing Tips for Wise County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pawpaw in Wise County, TX?

Wise County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Pawpaw planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wise County, TX?

Wise County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 11.

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Your Wise County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wise County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Wise County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.