🥭 Wilson - A Resilient Kentucky Heritage Selection with High Vigor and Annual Reliability

Variety Description

Summary

Wilson is a "survivor" cultivar that remains a favorite for growers who prioritize reliability and high yields over massive individual fruit size. Selected from the wild on Black Mountain in Harlan County, Kentucky, it has proven itself to be one of the most vigorously successful pawpaws in a wide range of climates. In the Corvallis Pawpaw Regional Variety Trials (PRVT), Wilson achieved a perfect 100% survival rate, marking it as a top-tier choice for challenging locations. While individual fruits are modest in size (typically averaging 90g), the tree compensates with sheer volume, often producing upwards of 130 fruits per season. The flavor is pleasantly sweet and classic, delivered in a beautiful golden-orange pulp that retains a professional custard texture. For the grower who wants a "bulletproof" variety that delivers a heavy annual harvest, Wilson is an excellent heritage choice.

Foundations and Pedigree

Recovered in the mid-1980s by John V. Creech, Wilson represents the elite wild germplasm of the Appalachian highlands. Its natural hardiness and heavy-bearing habit have made it a staple in specialized nurseries for decades.

Fruit Specifications: The High-Yield Workhorse

Physical Attributes: Fruits are typically born in large clusters. The skin is robust and holds up well during the harvest window. Palette: A focused, traditional pawpaw sweetness. While not as "complex" as some modern hybrids, it offers a clean and satisfying tropical profile. Texture: Silky and smooth; highly regarded for use in processed pulps and desserts.

Orchard Integrity

Efficiency: Wilson's primary value lies in its productivity metrics. It consistently ranks among the highest fruit-per-tree producers in university data, making it a valuable "pollination partner" and bulk producer in larger orchards. Growth Habit: Reaches a mature height of 4 to 6 meters with a sturdy, resilient framework that handles heavy fruit loads without limb failure.

Management and Logistics

Maturity Timing: Ripens in the mid-to-late season window. Pollination strategy: Its massive flower production makes it an excellent source of pollen for surrounding cultivars. Reliability: Scoring a 9/10 for both disease resistance and cold hardiness, it requires very little maintenance once established.

Environmental Adaptation

Resilient across USDA Zones 5–8. Its origins in the high-elevation Kentucky wild ensure a natural tolerance for fluctuating spring temperatures and harsh continental winters.

Conclusion

Wilson is the quintessential "production" pawpaw. It may not produce the individual giants that Susquehanna is known for, but it guarantees a heavy, high-quality harvest year after year. Its world-class vigor and survival rates make it the "insurance policy" for any orchard, providing a stable foundation of delicious, golden fruit when other more delicate varieties might struggle. For those following the heritage of American wild selections, Wilson stands as a testament to the natural excellence found in the Kentucky wild.