Trees that can be tap-rooted in youth rarely remain tap-rooted as they establish and mature. The vast majority of roots on trees and shrubs also grow outwards, not downwards, and radiate away from the trunk in the top two feet of soil, since this is where the most moisture, nutrients, and oxygen can be found to keep them healthy. (That root arrangement is also more stabilizing for the tree as it gets taller and heavier.) Yes, roots confined to a pot might get stunted the longer their growth is restricted, which is one reason a plant intended to eventually go into the ground should be put into the ground as soon as possible. (Plus, life in a container can be stressful for plants, since the potting mix heats-up in summer and freezes in winter faster than in-ground soil, it dries out faster, and it also retains fewer nutrients.)

If you have a location in the ground available and ready for planting, we suggest transferring the pawpaw to the ground as soon as possible so it can start acclimating to new soil conditions and establish roots. The establishment phase for plants going into the ground (or which have been moved and need to regrow some roots) takes 2 or more years after planting. You can wait until early autumn if needed, but otherwise, the sooner the better. Regardless of the timing of transplanting, monitor the plant for watering needs by feeling the soil moisture several inches deep, so it can be irrigated when needed but not over-watered. (The linked page has more guidance.)

Miri

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