How to Grow Pecan Trees

General Information

Botanical Name:

Carya illinoinensis

Common Names:

Pecan, Pecan Tree

Plant Family:

Juglandaceae

Type:

Deciduous; Nut

Our Favorite Varieties:

Desirable, Pawnee, Elliot, Kanza, Stuart

Know Before You Grow

Growing Zones:

6–9

Frost Hardy:

Yes

Heat Tolerant:

Yes

Chill Hours:

400–800

Pollination Needs:

Requires cross-pollination with a different pecan variety – A Type I and Type II pairing is needed

Rootstock:

Typically grown on seedling rootstock; improved varieties are grafted

Full Size:

70–100+ feet tall and wide

Years to Produce:

6–10 years (sometimes longer)

In-Ground or Container:

In ground only

Starting from Seed

When:

Fall or after stratification

Stratification:

Yes, 60–90 days cold stratification

Scarification:

Not required (shell can be cracked slightly to speed germination)

Soil

Loose, deep, well-draining soil

Depth:

1–2 inches

Water:

Keep evenly moist

Germination:

2–8 weeks after stratification

Up Pot:

Not recommended; transplant early due to deep taproot

Light:

Full sun

Soil Temperature:

65–75°F after stratification

Heat Mat:

Optional

Harden Off:

7–10 days

Planting Site Prep:

Soil:

Deep, well-draining loam

pH:

6.0–7.0

Drainage:

Must drain well; does not tolerate waterlogged soil

Sun:

Full sun (6–8+ hours)

Spacing:

40–60 feet apart; plant at least two compatible varieties within about 100 feet for pollination

Hole Size:

2–3 times wider than root ball, same depth

Fertilizer/Feed:

Light feeding after establishment; avoid over-fertilizing

Compost:

Mix 2–3 inches into soil if needed

Mulch:

2–4 inches, kept away from trunk

Planting:

When:

Late winter to early spring (bare root) or fall in mild climates

How:

Plant straight with roots spread naturally

Depth:

Same as nursery depth; graft union above soil if present

Spacing:

40–60 feet apart

Water:

Water deeply after planting

Mulch:

Apply 2–4 inches, keep 4–6 inches away from trunk

Staking:

Rarely needed

Growing Care

Fertilizer/Feed:

Light feeding in early spring; mature trees may require soil testing for nutrients

Water:

Deep water regularly during establishment; mature trees tolerate some drought but produce better with consistent moisture

Pruning:

Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged branches

Thinning:

Not required

Mulching:

Maintain mulch ring to retain moisture and reduce competition

Pollination:

Requires cross-pollination between different types (Type I and Type II)

Winter Protection:

Protect young trees from freeze damage

Summer Protection:

Maintain moisture during heat for nut development

Companions & Antagonists

Plant Family:

Antagonists:

Grasses

None, but garden plants will struggle if planted to close.

Clover

–

Groundcovers

–

Attracts & Repels

Attracts:

Repels:

Wildlife

Nothinbg

Birds

–

Squirrels

–

Pests & Disease

Pests:

Disease:

Pecan Weevil

Pecan Scab

Aphids

Leaf Spot

Hickory Shuckworm

Powdery Mildew

–

Propagation

Seed:

Possible but not true to type

Cuttings:

Rarely used

Grafting:

Standard method for improved varieties

Layering:

Not commonly used

Harvest Time

When:

Fall when nuts drop from tree

How:

Collect from ground after natural drop

What:

Nuts

Storing:

Dry thoroughly and store in a cool, dry place

Preservation Methods:

Drying, freezing shelled nuts

Uses:

Culinary Uses:

Fresh eating, baking, cooking, roasting

Medicinal Uses:

Nutrient-dense food, healthy fats

Wildlife Uses:

Major food source for wildlife

Landscape Uses:

Large shade tree

Wood Uses:

High-quality hardwood for furniture and smoking wood

Troubleshooting

No nuts:

Lack of pollination or tree too young

Poor yield:

Nutrient deficiency or drought stress

Wormy nuts:

Insect damage

Leaf spotting:

Fungal disease; improve airflow if possible

Slow growth:

Poor soil depth or root restriction

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