Key Points
- Provenance: A Sunflower × Overleese hybrid, developed by Cliff England at England’s Orchard, Kentucky.
- Fruit Dimensions: Medium-to-large sizing, typically ranging from 200–284 g.
- Skin Integrity: Notable for its thick, yellowish-cream skin which offers superior durability for transport and storage.
- Flesh Quality: Exceptionally smooth, uniform consistency with a vibrant yellow hue.
- Flavor Dynamics: Features a mellow tropical profile combining notes of mango, banana, and pineapple; described as sweet and refreshing.
- Seed Ratio: Remarkably low seed count, representing only 4–5% of total fruit mass.
- Maturity Window: Exceptionally early ripening, frequently ready for harvest between late July and early August.
- Productivity: Highly productive, though it typically requires 5–7 years to reach full bearing age.
- Growth Profile: Exhibits slow growth with a compact height (4.5–6 m); periodic pruning is recommended to maintain shape.
- Hardiness: Resilient in USDA Zones 5–9, capable of withstanding temperatures down to -25...-28 °C.
- Pollination Requirements: Needs cross-pollination from a genetically distinct variety; not self-fertile.
- Health: Generally robust, though may be susceptible to black spot (Phyllosticta) during humid years.
Variety Description
Summary
Summer Delight is a pioneering early-season pawpaw cultivar developed by Cliff England of England’s Orchard, Kentucky. A hybrid of the legendary Sunflower and Overleese varieties, it bridges the gap between the heat of summer and the traditional autumn pawpaw harvest. Characterized by medium-to-large fruits (200–284g), a durable thick skin, and elite-tier golden pulp, it is prized for its low seed count and "refreshing" tropical taste. Its early harvest window (late July to early August) makes it an indispensable variety for extending the fresh fruit season. The tree is compact and slow-growing, making it a perfect candidate for small-scale orchards and home gardens.
Foundations and Pedigree
By crossing two of the most reliable historic cultivars—Sunflower and Overleese—Cliff England created a variety that combines durability with dessert quality. Summer Delight has quickly gained a reputation among enthusiasts for being one of the best "first-of-the-season" gourmet selections.
Fruit Specifications: The Early Golden Standard
Market Profile: Fruits are consistently sized in the 200–284g range. The skin is uniquely thick for a pawpaw, allowing it to be handled and transported with far less risk of bruising than thinner-skinned varieties. Palette: This variety is celebrated for a complex yet mellow tropical flavor. It avoids the heavy "cloying" sweetness of some late varieties, offering instead a balanced profile of mango and pineapple. Sugar Content: In my conditions, ripe fruits remain stable on the branch for up to 10 days, maintaining their elite sugar profile. Seed Content: With seeds making up only 4–5% of the weight, it offers one of the highest edible pulp-to-fruit ratios (95–96%) in the pawpaw world.
Orchard Productivity
Efficiency: Once it reaches maturity (around year 5–7), Summer Delight is a heavy producer. Growth Habit: The tree is naturally compact and slow-growing. To optimize fruit access, it is recommended to top the tree at approximately 1 meter early in its development to encourage a balanced, spreading canopy.
Management and Logistics
Maturity Timing: Its exceptionally early ripening is its greatest asset, allowing growers to provide fresh pawpaws weeks before standard varieties like NC-1 or Shenandoah begin. Pollination Strategy: For reliable cropping, always plant alongside another high-quality variety. While hand-pollination is not required, it can significantly increase the fruit set during the tree's early years.
Environmental Adaptation
Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. While it is highly disease-resistant, growers in high-humidity regions should ensure good air circulation to minimize late-season leaf spot (Phyllosticta), which is generally cosmetic but can affect fruit appearance in exceptionally wet years.
Conclusion
Summer Delight is more than just an "early" variety; it is a gourmet selection that stands on its own against the best of the mid-season hybrids. Its thick skin makes it one of the few pawpaws with true commercial potential, while its ultra-low seed count and smooth texture make it a favorite for processing and fresh eating. For any serious collector or orchardist, Summer Delight is the essential key to starting the pawpaw season on a high note.
Breed Performance Summary
| Indicator | Cultivar Metric |
|---|---|
| Heritage Line | Cliff England Selection (England’s Orchard, KY) |
| Hybrid Pedigree | Sunflower × Overleese |
| Average Fruit Mass | 200–284 g |
| Seed Percentage | Ultra-Low (4–5% by weight) |
| Flavor Class | Mellow Tropical (Mango / Pineapple / Banana) |
| Flesh Consistency | Velvety Custard / Deep Yellow |
| Maturity window | Exceptionally Early (Late July / Early August) |
| Growth Habit | Slow / Compact Tree (4.5–6 m) |
| Hardiness Grade | USDA Zones 5–9 (-25...-28 °C) |