🥭 Potomac - A High-Yield Selection Renowned for Massive Fruits and Meaty, Low-Seed Flesh

Variety Description

Summary

Potomac® is the "giant of the river" in the Peterson series. While other varieties focus on early ripening or floral aromas, Potomac is engineered for volume and substance. It produces some of the largest individual fruits in the genus, often appearing as massive, heavy clusters that test the strength of the branches. Its dense, nearly seedless flesh makes it a favorite for culinary applications where yield per fruit is the primary metric.

Foundations and Provenance

This selection was refined by R. Neal Peterson from a wild population at the Blandy Experimental Farm in Northern Virginia. By isolating the most vigorous seedlings from this rich genetic corridor, Peterson created a stable cultivar that combines wild resilience with hybrid size. It is protected under the Potomac® trademark and remains a cornerstone of professional and enthusiast orchards globally.

Fruit Specifications: Substantial and Sweet

Physical Attributes: The fruit is typically heavy and symmetrical. In recent trials (including the 2025 Ohio Pawpaw Festival), specimens have reached massive weights of 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg). Palette: The flavor is a balanced, classic pawpaw experience—rich and sweet without the bitterness found in wildings. Texture: It is famously "meaty." The internal structure is firm yet creamy, with very few seeds relative to its mass, making it exceptionally easy to eat or process into pulp.

Orchard Productivity

Yield Resilience: Potomac is a reliable cropper. Mature trees in KSU trials average 45+ fruits per season. Tree Architecture: Unlike the spreading habit of many pawpaws, Potomac tends towards a more vertical, columnar shape. This allows for tighter spacing in high-density orchard settings while maintaining excellent light penetration to the lower branches.

Management and Logistics

Maturity Timing: Its mid-to-late ripening window (early October in most regions) requires a grower to be mindful of early autumn freezes. It is the ideal variety for the Mid-Atlantic and warmer Midwest states. Sensitivity: The variety’s thin skin and heavy weight make it prone to "cracking" if soil moisture fluctuates wildly during the final ripening stage. Consistent mulching and irrigation are recommended.

Environmental Adaptation

Demonstrates robust survival in Zone 6 and 7, though it can be grown into Zone 5 if the microclimate allows for a long enough ripening season. Its upright habit makes it a visually striking addition to any landscape.

Conclusion

Potomac® is the variety for the grower who wants "trophy" fruit. It provides the highest meat-to-seed ratio of the major hybrids and delivers consistent, heavy crops that are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat. It remains one of the definitive benchmarks of modern pawpaw breeding.