Key Points
- Provenance: Selected by Blake Cothron at Peaceful Heritage Nursery, KY, from KSU seedling stock planted in 2015.
- Synonyms: Sri Gold, Vishnu.
- Fruit Attributes: Golden-yellow flesh with a complex tropical profile, exhibiting traits of both Sunflower and Susquehanna.
- Seasonality: Rippens in the late window, typically from late September into October.
- Productivity: Regarded as a high-yielding, modern "Ultra-Select" variety.
- Hardiness: Resilient in USDA Zones 5–8, sharing the robust genetics of the KSU breeding lines.
- Availability: Accessible primarily as scionwood or grafted specimens through Peaceful Heritage Nursery and AFFN.
Variety Description
Summary
Sri Vishnu (also known as Sri Gold or simply Vishnu) is a cutting-edge pawpaw variety selected by breeder Blake Cothron of Peaceful Heritage Nursery in Kentucky. Originally part of a KSU "HI Orchard" seedling trial planted in 2015, it was chosen for its exceptional tropical flavor, high productivity, and brilliant golden pulp. While its exact parentage is unconfirmed, it displays the refined texture and sweetness found in elite crosses like Sunflower × Susquehanna. It is a late-season selection that provides a gourmet harvest at the peak of the autumn season.
Foundations and Naming
Blake Cothron provides deep context for this selection: "Sri Vishnu is named after the transcendental preserver of this manifested universe. He is dressed in a golden-yellow dhoti, holding a conch, lotus, mace, and a spinning chakra, shining in Supreme knowledge-consciousness and bliss. This bright yellow pawpaw somehow reminded me of Him."
"Sri Vishnu is the first variety from our Ultra Select line, planted from seed in 2015. It truly stands out and compares favorably to the KSU varieties I have evaluated. I have seen zero Phyllosticta on this selection across several years of testing."
Fruit Specifications: The "Sri Gold" Experience
Physical Attributes: The fruit is visually striking with a deep yellow, almost golden interior. It maintains a medium-to-large size range, typically between 113–227g, with potential for individual fruits to exceed 450g (1 lb) under ideal conditions. Texture: Cothron describes the texture as "soft jackfruit-like" and "chewy," offering a velvety custodial feel without being overly soft. Palette: It delivers a bright, caramelly, tropical flavor that strikes a perfect balance—bold enough to satisfy enthusiasts but refined enough for a general palate.
Orchard Integrity
Efficiency: Sri Vishnu is valued for its excellent pulp-to-seed ratio. Despite being a relatively new introduction, it has already demonstrated high productivity and robust health in Kentucky trials. Disease Resistance: A standout feature is its apparent immunity to common pawpaw leaf spotting (Phyllosticta) in its home orchard environment.
Management and Logistics
Maturity Timing: Ripens in the latter half of September in Kentucky, fitting into the late-season harvest category. Pollination Strategy: To maximize its high yield potential, it should be paired with other high-quality mid-to-late blooming varieties like Sunflower or Susquehanna.
Environmental Adaptation
Highly adapted to the fluctuating climates of the American Mid-South and Midwest, it is hardy across USDA Zones 5–8.
Conclusion
Sri Vishnu is the pinnacle of modern "Ultra-Select" pawpaw breeding. It offers a unique combination of spiritual heritage, visual brilliance, and elite-tier flavor. For the grower who seeks the absolute latest in pawpaw genetics and wants a tree that stands up to disease while producing "gold-standard" fruit, Sri Vishnu is an essential acquisition. It remains a rare and sought-after variety in the specialty nursery trade.
Breed Performance Summary
| Indicator | Cultivar Metric |
|---|---|
| Heritage Line | Blake Cothron Selection (Peaceful Heritage / KSU, 2015) |
| Synonyms | Sri Gold, Vishnu |
| Average Fruit Mass | Medium-to-Large (≈113–227 g; up to 454 g) |
| Yield Est. | High (Ultra-Select Status) |
| Flavor Class | Bright Tropical / Caramelly |
| Flesh Consistency | Velvety / "Soft Jackfruit" Texture |
| Maturity Window | Late Season (Late September–October) |
| Hardiness Grade | USDA Zones 5–8 |