When to Plant Pawpaw in Barbour County, WV
Your May game plan for Barbour County, West Virginia
Each item below is timed to Barbour County, West Virginia's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Move pawpaw from tray to bed
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
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.
Barbour County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 2,565 feet, Barbour County receives approximately 41.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Pawpaw during the growing season.
Barbour County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
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 Barbour County
How your county's soil matches Pawpaw's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.8) is within Pawpaw's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Barbour County is excellent for Pawpaw — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). 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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Barbour 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 — Barbour County, WV
Pawpaw Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–2555 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Barbour County
Growing Tips for Pawpaw in Barbour County
Direct sow Pawpaw outdoors after April 30 in Barbour County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 170.0-day growing season in Barbour 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 Barbour County, WV?
Barbour County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Pawpaw planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Barbour County, WV?
Barbour County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Barbour County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Barbour County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.