pecan tree seeds

Pecan trees grow reliably well from seeds, although you must chill them for two to three months before sowing to satisfy their dormancy requirements. Once chilled, sow them in deep pots and provide them with constant moisture to successfully germinate them one month later.

Can you grow a pecan tree from a pecan nut?

A viable pecan seed (the nut) is the product of cross pollination (sexual reproduction) between two pecan trees. ... Of course, you CAN grow a pecan tree from pecan nut. That's how commercial growers get their rootstocks, and it's also how new and different pecan varieties are discovered.

How long does it take to grow a pecan tree from seed?

The more precocious varieties may sometimes start production in 4 to 5 years. The less precocious varieties may take 8 to 10 years to bear. Non-grafted seedling and native pecan trees often take 10 to 15 years to begin production. The earliest-bearing pecan varieties are not necessarily the best varieties to grow.

Do you have to have 2 pecan trees to produce?

Pecans have both male and female flowers, but they do not bloom at the same time. This basically means that a single pecan tree cannot pollinate itself, and will not produce nuts. To get around this problem, you have to plant at least 2 trees and they cannot be the same “type”.

Do pecan trees grow fast?

Pecan trees have a moderate growth rate, and you can expect trees to grow about 13 to 24 inches per year. ... While mature tree can grow up to 100 feet tall, the size can vary and most trees reach between 70 and 100 feet in height. Pecan trees also need plenty of space to grow, because they can spread 40 to 75 feet wide.

Where is the best place to plant a pecan tree?

Pecan Planting Guide: Location and Preparation

Plant the tree in a location with soil that drains freely to a depth of 5 feet (1.5 m.). Growing pecan trees have a long taproot that is susceptible to disease if the soil is soggy. Hilltops are ideal.

Do pecan trees bear fruit every year?

While pecan trees may produce a crop each year once they get started, heavy crops of nuts get produced in alternate years. The phenomenon, called alternate bearing, means the trees produce light crops in the other years.

What is the fastest growing pecan tree?

The Pawnee Pecan (Carya illinoinensis 'Pawnee') has recently become one of the more popular pecan producing trees around. It tends to produce nuts much more rapidly than other species of pecan trees do.

Are coffee grounds good for pecan trees?

Pecan trees also require full sun throughout the day, so they should not be planted in an area that experiences any shade. Sprinkle coffee grounds around the base of Holly Shrubs and Holly Trees for dense foliage growth and improved berry production.

How many years will a pecan tree produce?

Significant production can be achieved in six to eight years. Good production will begin the ninth or tenth year. Trees can be productive for a 100 years or longer. Pecans, like other fruit and nut trees, exhibit a characteristic called alternate bearing.

What is the best tasting pecan?

Although smaller than most varieties, the Elliott pecan (bottom left) is a favorite among Georgia growers. Its sumptuous round kernel has a delicate hickory nut flavor that makes it wonderful for baked goods and for eating out of hand. A larger nut is the Desirable (bottom right).

What is the best pecan tree?

Choctaw is a good yard tree because of its beautiful foliage, scab resistance and high yields of large, high-quality pecans. Unfortunately, Choctaw requires the very best soil and management; otherwise, it will fail. Nuts/lb - 38; percent kernel - 59. Tejas is a good yard tree for west Texas.

How do I get my old pecan tree to produce?

Low fertility and an inadequate amount of zinc can limit nut production. Fertilize according to soil test and tissue analysis. Without a soil test, the rule of thumb for fertilizing pecan trees is one pound of 13-13-13 fertilizer per tree for every year of the tree's age, up to 25 pounds.

Do pecan trees have invasive roots?

Pecan trees grow from a deep taproot anchoring the large nut-producing tree. The pecan tree, like its relatives in the walnut family of large deciduous trees, develops a strong taproot that grows deep into the ground, anchoring the large tree and protecting it from drought on the surface.

Why are pecans so expensive?

Pecan farmers say bad weather and demand from China are forcing prices up. The price of pecans is going up, up, up, which may mean that if you're planning a pecan pie for Thanksgiving, the time to buy them is now. The reasons behind that escalating price all come down to natural forces: supply and demand and weather.

How far should a pecan tree be planted from a house?

Pecan trees should be planted at least 20 feet (preferably more) away from homes, garages, driveways, etc.

Do Pecan trees need full sun?

To produce a healthy, productive and beautiful pecan tree, the planting site must provide adequate room for growth, full sun, and deep, well drained soil with sufficient water and nutrients. Mature pecan trees need adequate space for proper growth.

How deep do you plant a pecan tree?

Bare-Root Trees — Bare-root pecan trees have long taproots and require a deep planting hole. In most situations, the hole should be at least three feet deep and 12 to 24 inches wide so that all side roots can be properly positioned as the hole is refilled.

Can you eat pecans off the tree?

Pecan trees are actually in the hickory family. ... Most importantly, if you've found a pecan tree and it's harvest time, you're likely to find pecans on the ground or to spot them among the leaves of the tree. All varieties of pecans are edible, so you don't need to worry about which kind of pecan you've found.

What month do pecan trees produce?

Pecan Development

Pecans are ready to harvest when the outer husk splits open. This occurs in the fall, commonly between September and November. Harvest the fruits as soon as they split open to get the best-quality nuts.

Why does my pecan tree produce rotten pecans?

What is Pecan Shuck and Kernel Rot? The disease is caused by a fungal species, Phytophthora cactorum. It causes rot in the fruit of the tree, turning the shuck into a mushy, rotted mess, and rendering the nuts inedible. ... Pecan shuck and kernel rot infections usually occur in late August or early September.