Iowa Golden is a pawpaw selection line developed at Red Fern Farm (Wapello, SE Iowa). It features large fruit, excellent sweet taste, high yields, and a uniquely simultaneous ripening window, making it convenient for single-harvesting and processing workflows.
Iowa Golden originates from Red Fern Farm (Tom Wahl and Kathy Dice, Wapello, SE Iowa) and is marketed as one of their signature varieties. It is recognized in grower communities for its agronomic merits, though formal university trials (KSU, MSU) are not widely publicized.
Size: categorizes as large or good-sized, though specific statistical averages (grams) are not systematically published. Expected average weight is ≈ 180–240 g, with a realistic mode around 200–220 g. Occasional larger fruits reaching 300–400 g are possible but rare. Skin: displays a pronounced color break, turning yellow upon ripening, which simplifies determining harvest readiness. Taste: very sweet, described as excellent and pleasant. Pulp texture: while not detailed in all sources, reviews emphasize high quality.
Iowa Golden is described as heavy-bearing, making it attractive for commercial and processing orchards. Precise data on fruit count or kilograms per tree is generally documented in internal nursery harvest reports.
Ripens in September (typical for Midwest pawpaws), but uniquely does so within a very narrow time window. This allows for efficient single-pass harvests. Exact dates vary based on local year-to-year conditions and tree age.
While specific minimum temperature data isn't always cited, originating from SE Iowa suggests it fits typical USDA 5–8 zones for the species. Local trials are always recommended for confirmation.
Like most pawpaws, Iowa Golden requires cross-pollination. Planting 2–3 different varieties nearby is recommended for stable yields.
Specific vulnerability data (e.g., to Phyllosticta leaf spot) is not prominent in catalogs. Standard agro-technical measures—good drainage, mulching, and pollination support—apply.
Information on Iowa Golden is mostly based on nursery descriptions and grower feedback. Systematic scientific datasets (average weight, °Brix, seed ratio, yield per tree) are thin. For detailed harvest metrics, consulting Red Fern Farm directly is the best route.
Iowa Golden is a strong choice for its high productivity, fruit size, and ripening efficiency. If clonal identity is required, avoid using seeds. Monitor for diseases in exceptionally humid regions.
Iowa Golden is a high-yielding variety from Red Fern Farm with large fruits, sweet flavor, a strong color break, and a uniquely simultaneous ripening habit—ideal for streamlined harvest and processing.
| Parameter | Value/Comment |
|---|---|
| Origin | Red Fern Farm (Wapello, SE Iowa) |
| Name | Iowa Golden |
| Fruit Size | Large (good-sized) |
| Taste | Very sweet, excellent |
| Yield | High (heavy-bearing) |
| Skin | Turns yellow when ripe (strong color break) |
| Ripening | Simultaneous, short window (September) |
| Hardiness | Likely USDA 5–8 |
| Pollination | Cross-pollination required |