Key Points
- Breeder: The late Jerry Lehman (Terre Haute, Indiana); a hybrid cross of Davis × Prolific (clone 166-13).
- Seasonality: Mid-to-late season ripener; requires significant summer heat accumulation to reach full potential.
- Fruit Analysis: Large specimens (225–400 g, up to 450 g) with refined yellow-orange pulp and a "custard-like" melt.
- Productivity: Highly prolific (capable of 30+ lbs per tree when mature); notably stable cropper.
- Orchard Habits: Moderate-to-vigorous growth forming a compact 3.5–4.5 m crown.
- Recognition: Regularly cited as "Best in Show" or favorite in regional Ohio Pawpaw Festival tastings.
- Hardiness: Exceptionally resilient in USDA Zones 5–8; handles cooler maritime climates better than many southern hybrids.
Variety Description
Summary
Maria’s Joy (designated as clone 166-13) is a crown jewel of Jerry Lehman’s independent breeding program. A cross between the historic Davis and Prolific varieties, it was named by Lehman’s wife, Maria. It is a world-class cultivar that balances massive fruit size with an intricate, multi-layered tropical flavor profile. While it matures in the late season, its aggressive sugar development and reliable cropping make it a primary choice for both home and boutique commercial orchards. It holds a reputation for having one of the highest "pulp-to-seed" ratios in the repository.
Status and Pedigree
Derived from Lehman’s private selection blocks in Indiana, Maria's Joy is often grouped with other "Lehman Legends" like Lehman’s Delight (275-48) and Jerry’s Big Girl (250-39). It is genetically distinct for its ability to produce large fruit clusters that ripen with remarkable uniformity, a trait highly valued for commercial efficiency.
Fruit Analysis
Sensation: The flavor is frequently described as "electric"—a high-intensity sweetness with a "bubblegum" or tropical fruit punch finish. Weight: Specimens typically range from 8 to 14 oz (225–400 g), but 1 lb (454 g) fruits are common in established trees with proper thinning. Texture: Smooth, high-viscosity yellow pulp without detectable grit or bitterness near the skin. It possesses a "kidney-shaped" morphology which is aesthetically distinct.
Orchard Dynamics
Growth and Vigor: Displays strong upright growth that transitions into a spreading, sturdy canopy. Yield Metrics: Projections for mature specimens exceed 30 lbs of fruit annually. It enters production reliably in the 3rd or 4th year from grafting. Management: As a mid-to-late variety, it benefits from a "warm microclimate" in northern zones. It has demonstrated an easier "take" rate during grafting compared to some more temperamental industrial hybrids.
Resilience and Hardiness
Climate Range: Fully hardy down to -20°F (USDA Zone 5). It has shown surprising adaptability in cooler northern climates like the UK, provided there is enough late-summer sun. Pest/Disease: Exhibits standard species-wide resistance. In early years, protection from gastropods (slugs/snails) is advised for young bark.
Conclusion
Maria’s Joy is a masterclass in pawpaw breeding. It offers the "Big Fruit" experience without the flavor dilution common in some older large-fruited cultivars. Its unique bubblegum-mango complexity and heavy volume capabilities ensure its place as a "must-have" for any serious collector in USDA Zones 5–8.
Breed Performance Summary
| Indicator | Cultivar Metric |
|---|---|
| Breed Lineage | Davis × Prolific (Clone 166-13) |
| Pulp Sensation | Mango / Pineapple / Bubblegum |
| Productivity | Very High (30+ lbs/tree mature) |
| Ripening Window | Mid-Late (Requires summer heat) |
| Specimen Weight | 225–400 g (Elite Class) |
| Hardiness | USDA Zone 5 (-20°F) |
| Taste Rating | Award-Winning (Elite Level) |