Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Pecans (
Carya illinoinenmis
)
Pecans have various hardiness depending on the cultivar. Also note that these gorgeous trees have
varying disease resistances as well. Pecan trees are lovely shade trees and I love that they have the
added benefit of a yearly crop of delicious nuts.
Unfortunately, even the hardiest cultivars won't usually produce reliably beyond zone 5 as pecans
need a longer season for the nuts to mature. But oh, what a delicious harvest you can obtain if you
live in zones 5 through 9.
This newly planted pecan will quickly develop a large taproot and in a few years become a lovely,
productive tree.
Starting pecan saplings from trees that are just a few years old can take some time. While pecan
trees are fairly drought tolerant when they are well established, they need extra water when getting
started. Pecans have been developed commercially for so long now, there are named cultivars suit-
able for most regions within the growing zone. A quick check with the extension office will help
you narrow your options.
You'll want to have more than one pecan tree in the area for the best pollination. While pecans
have both male and female flowers, sometimes the male pollen is produced before the female flow-
ers. By having two different types of pecan trees within 100 feet, you'll be sure that more pollen is
available when your tree's female flowers are receptive.
