Key Points
- Origin: A premier selection from the legendary Jerry Lehman (Terre Haute, IN).
- Nomenclature: Cataloged originally as cv. 275-17 before being trademarked as October Moon.
- Fruit Architecture: Produces massive, yellow-fleshed specimens (avg. 283–454 g, with trophy fruits reaching 680–900 g).
- Seasonality: Strategically late ripener (Late September – Early October), ideal for extending the harvest season.
- Production: Exceptionally high yielder with a reputation for consistent, heavy annual crops.
- Resilience: Fully hardy in USDA Zones 5–9.
- Accolades: A frequent award-winner at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival, including titles for "Best Pawpaw" and "Biggest Pawpaw."
Variety Description
Summary
October Moon (Lehman 275-17) is one of the crown jewels of Jerry Lehman's breeding program. It is widely considered a "season-extender" variety, maturing when many of the early hybrids have already finished their cycle. Its primary claim to fame is its sheer scale—regularly producing fruits that dwarf standard cultivars—without sacrificing the elite, non-musky flavor profile that Lehman's selections are known for.
Breeding and Status
Provenance: Jerry Lehman spent decades mapping the genetics of the best wild and domestic pawpaws in Terre Haute, Indiana. October Moon represents the pinnacle of his work in achieving fruit size and stable productivity. While its exact parentage is likely a complex hybrid of Prolific, Overleese, and Sam-Norris lines, its performance as a standalone cultivar (275-17) is undisputed among collectors.
Sensory and Physical Metrics
Mass: October Moon is a heavy fruit. While 10–16 oz (283–454 g) is the standard range for a well-managed tree, the variety has a biological ceiling far higher, with records of 2-lb (approx 900 g) fruits in optimal seasons. Texture: The pulp is dense and custardy, satisfying the preference for a "dessert-style" pawpaw. Palette: It is dominated by bright tropical sugars, reminiscent of a mango-custard hybrid, with no bitter aftertaste or graininess in the pulp.
Orchard Dynamics
Productivity: It is noted for its "abundant" fruiting. Unlike some large-fruited varieties that produce few specimens, October Moon is a generous cropper. Growth Vigor: The tree exhibits standard species vigor, quickly reaching its mature height of 15–20 feet. Pollination: As a late-season selection, it ensures broad cross-pollination opportunities with a wide range of mid-to-late season partners.
Resilience and Management
Hardiness: Robust through USDA Zone 5. Harvest Management: Because it ripens late, growers in the furthest northern zones (Zone 5a/4b) should plant it in the warmest part of their site to ensure the fruit has enough heat accumulation to fully develop its sugars before the first hard freeze.
Collector's Verdict
October Moon is a "must-have" for any serious orchardist. Its ability to produce massive, high-scoring fruit allows it to function as both a competition variety and a high-volume producer for fresh eating and processing.
Conclusion
October Moon stands as a testament to the legacy of Jerry Lehman. It offers a rare combination of industrial-scale fruit size and connoisseur-level flavor. For those seeking to maximize their orchard's output and harvest window, it is an essential selection.
Breed Performance Summary
| Indicator | Cultivar Metric |
|---|---|
| Breeding Line | Jerry Lehman Selection (275-17) |
| Ripening window | Late (Late Sept - Early Oct) |
| Fruit Mass Range | Large - Massive (283 g - 900 g) |
| Flavor Descriptor | Tropical Medley / Elite Sugar |
| Production Volume | High (Consistent Cropper) |
| Hardiness | USDA Zone 5 Robust |
| Utility | Competition / High Volume Intake |