Pawpaw

These fruit have been enjoyed by Native Americans for centuries, and have sustained many frontiersmen, with plants growing naturally from Ontario down to Florida - Zones 3 to 9. The ripe flesh has a rich, sweet custard consistency and a strong nutty banana flavor, usually eaten fresh, yet can be used in many recipes. Another tough plant that is resistant to deer, diseases and insects, pawpaw shrubs grow to 15 ft. tall and wide in either shade or full sun.  Moist, rich, well-drained soil with mulch is preferred. Maroon to purple flowers up to 2” inches wide pollinate to bear green fruit in clusters. Cross pollination of different varieties or two seedlings is necessary. Ripening in September to frost, the fruit turn yellowish with black spots. We found a lot of recipes at this KY State Univ. site: Cooking with Pawpaws . 

Jujubes

Though not well known to westerners, Jujubes have been cultivated in Asia for 4000 years yet some sources claim that it may have originated in the near east with the Persians. This attractive small tree has gnarled branches, fine lacy foliage and profuse small white fragrant blooms in mid summer. The abundant crops of the unique sweet reddish-brown fruit unevenly ripening in fall. As it matures, it becomes wrinkled looking like a small date and is often called a Chinese date. The trees are pest free and are highly adaptable to many regions withstanding temperatures from lows of -20°F to highs of 100°F and higher. Plant in full sun and at least 15 ft. apart as they will grow to 15-40 ft tall and 15-25 ft wide. While partially self-pollinating, planting two varieties ensures a greater crop.

More information is available at Hort on the Net

   Orders for Pawpaws already in house will  ship in early May 2009.

THE JUJUBES ARE COMING OUT OF DORMANCY AND ARE NOT ABLE TO BE SHIPPED UNTIL NEXT SEASON, (FEBRUARY 2010)