Gardening

Growing Pecans

Brief History of the Pecan

Pecans are fully native to North America, and continue to be primarily produced in the U.S.A. Native American tribes in the South found and named the Pecan, using it to press oils, cook in stews and roast for long trips.

Choosing a Pecan Variety

Zones

Because the Pecan Tree is native to the South, it grows best in areas with long, warm growing seasons. Pecans can be grown in zones 6 to 9, but, planting further North may serve to enhance many of the common growth and disease problems associated with Pecans. If planting in colder zones (such as zone 6) search for varieties specifically bred for these regions.

You will need to determine whether an early, mid or late season variety is best for your climate. In areas with mild winters, (little to no winter frost) choose an early variety. Choose mid-season varieties in areas with mild springs that quickly heat up in summer. Late season varieties grow best in areas with long summers that stretch into the fall.

Most trees will start to produce pecans within five to eight years from planting (depending on variety, growth rate and location).

Pollination

Pecan trees will produce both male and female blooms, but unfortunately, these usually come at separate times in the growing season. In order to properly pollinate, you will need to choose at least two (preferably three) varieties. You will want to plant at least one Type I variety that releases pollen early, and one Type II, that produces flowers first. Pecans will pollinate quite easily, and only need a warm day, with a good breeze!

Disease Resistance

The most common disease problem with Pecans is called Pecan Scab, and produces sooty black spots on the leaves and nuts. Elliott, Mohawk and Gloria Grande are three varieties with good disease resistance and are considered some of the better yard trees for home-growers.

Planting

Pecan trees grow very large, so you should allow a minimum of 35 feet of space between trees. Optimum spacing is usually about 50 feet. As trees grow larger, they may need to be thinned out to this distance. The trees prefer fertile, deep soil (avoid planting in shallow, sandy, and rocky areas if possible).

Care

Pests & Disease

Some common pests known to invade Pecans include stinkbugs, and the pecan casebearer (leaves small worms in the nut). Most commercial growers will spray up to 15 times a year to prevent pests and disease. As a home-grower, spraying is not typically an option because pecan trees grow too large to spray conventionally. This is why finding disease resistant varieties is essential for someone choosing to grow Pecans at home.

Watering

Pecan trees need substantial water to produce well, especially during the warmer growing months.

Harvesting

Pecans are usually harvested from October through November (or sometimes as late as December). Though you can harvest nuts that have already fallen, this should be done with care, as they will lose quality quickly and are often already raided by squirrels before you get the chance to pick them up.

The optimum method of harvesting involves regularly shaking the branches to knock down small harvests of nuts. Since Pecan trees are so tall, you may need a large stick or other long tool to accomplish this. Because Pecan trees are “alternate bearing,” you will usually receive alternately small and large harvests from one year to the next. This is a normal growth habit for Pecans, and shouldn’t cause concern.

After harvesting, you should consider storing excess nuts in the freezer. Pecans have a safe shelf life of about a month, but frozen, will last for more than a year.

More Information

For more information on selecting trees, and Pecans, try some of the following links:

http://extension-horticulture.tamu.edu/carya/tamuhort.html
http://agweb.okstate.edu/pearl/hort/fruits/index.html
http://www.nolinnursery.com/
http://www.grimonut.com/section4.htm#npecan
http://www.icserv.com/nnga/index.html