NC-1 Pawpaw Tree

NC-1 Pawpaw — also known as Campbell’s #1 — is one of the most widely planted and highly regarded named pawpaw selections available, a Davis × Overleese cross selected by Carl Campbell in Ontario, Canada that has earned its reputation through consistent large fruit production and an unusually high flesh-to-seed ratio. Fewer seeds and thinner skin means more of the creamy, tropical, banana-custard flesh that makes pawpaw so remarkable and so sought after by serious fruit growers. Large fruit ripens in late September, gold foliage follows in fall, and dark purple blooms open in April before the leaves emerge. Grafted, cold-hardy, bears in 3–5 years. Grown in EZ Start® pots for superior root development. A pollinator is required.

Few Seeds, Thin Skin — More Fruit Per Bite

The flesh-to-seed ratio is one of the most practically important qualities in a pawpaw variety, and NC-1 is one of the best performers in this regard. Fewer seeds and thinner skin means that each fruit delivers more of the creamy, sweet, tropical flesh and less of the work around seeds and peel that makes some pawpaw varieties less enjoyable to eat. The large fruit size compounds that advantage — each individual pawpaw is genuinely substantial, and a good harvest from an established NC-1 is generous by any standard.

Davis × Overleese — Campbell’s #1

The NC-1 parentage reflects deliberate selection from two of the finest pawpaw varieties in cultivation. Davis is known for its exceptional flavor and productivity. Overleese for its large fruit size and rich flavor. Carl Campbell’s selection of this cross in Ontario produced a variety that captures the best qualities of both parents — and its widespread adoption by serious pawpaw growers across North America reflects that quality consistently delivered.

Dark Purple Blooms, Gold Fall Foliage — Beautiful in Every Season

NC-1 earns its landscape place beyond the fruit season. The dark purple flowers that open in April before the leaves emerge are unusual and genuinely beautiful — among the most distinctive spring blooms of any fruit tree. The gold foliage that follows the late September harvest closes out the season with a warm, attractive fall display.

Why Growers Choose NC-1 Pawpaw

• Few seeds, thin skin — exceptional flesh-to-seed ratio, more fruit per bite
• Also known as Campbell’s #1 — Davis × Overleese cross, one of the most respected named selections
• Large fruit, late September ripening — generous harvest from an established tree
• Dark purple April blooms — among the most distinctive spring flowers of any fruit tree
• Gold fall foliage — beautiful through every season
• Grafted, EZ Start® roots, bears in 3–5 years — strong establishment, earlier production