All 10 of the new pawpaw trees, for documentation.
The first 6 are from Footmore Farm - $20/ea or 2/$35, and clearly better off. They also are likely a little older than the other four, maybe yearlings compared to seedlings. Picked up in Cedar Springs, MI, while I was in the area, but it would have been a $50-60 round trip to pick them up if I'd had to do it just to get them, because shipping isn't available. Arguably still worth it for the quality, though, if I took a trip solely for them. They are putting on new growth and while they definitely didn't appreciate the transplant, they seem to be recovering well. The grower says these are grown from seed, which is impressive I think, if they are the same age as the others.
The last 4 are from Perry Pawpaws - $15/ea + $30 shipping, and they shipped before first leaf. I feel if I'd been able to start them outside (like if I had ordered them at a different time of the year when it was not freezing out), they would be doing better, but they definitely got scorched in the sun while they were on the porch (that's my bad). These were for-sure started from seeds, not grafts, as there were other seeds in the pots (two of which sprouted, but hadn't grown much, and are now in pots of their own to see if I can start them). I trimmed off the worst of the scorched leaves, and 2 of the 4 are putting on good new growth, 1 of the 4 is thinking about it and... well, I hope the 4th recovers better soon, but I'm not holding my breath.
I wanted to get photos of them all at the beginning, so I can compare as they grow, or at least document the progression of failure so I can learn from it.
But so far, I'm pretty okay with how they're going. Even though some look worse than others, aside from the one they are all growing new leaves and the browning/yellowing isn't getting worse. The mulch around the bases is definitely helping, and keeping up with heavy watering in the morning, shade through most of the day, and a few hours of good sun in the late afternoon seems to be working in their favor. With some time and care, I think they'll recover and keep going.
