Pecan Care Guide

Pecan Care Guide

Pecans (Carya illinoinensis) are a species of hickory known for their sweet, oblong nuts, which mature in the fall. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5b to 9.

Pollination & Variety Selection

While pecans are technically self-fruitful, their pollen-shedding patterns often do not align with their pistil receptivity, leading to lower nut quality and yield. To ensure successful pollination, plant at least two varieties—one from each pollination type:

• Type 1 (Protandrous, early pollen shed): Canton, Peruque, Major

• Type 2 (Protogynous, late pollen shed): Lucas, Kanza, Posey, Lakota, Colby

Variety Groups & Adaptation

Pecans are categorized into three regional groups:

• Eastern Varieties: Best suited for the humid Southeast; resistant to scab and other diseases. Usually a 220 day growing season.

• Western Varieties: Adapted to dry, alkaline soils; highly susceptible to scab.

• Northern Varieties: Mature quickly, making them suitable for shorter growing seasons; disease-tolerant. Usually 160 day growing season.

For more information, visit William Reid’s Northern Pecans site at northernpecans.blogspot.com.

Soil & Planting Requirements

Pecans require deep, well-drained loamy soil with high organic content. While sandy and clay soils can be improved, they are not ideal. Trees should be planted in locations with sufficient root space for their deep taproot system.

Watering & Mulching

• Water deeply and frequently to ensure moisture reaches the taproot.

• Apply a thick mulch layer (e.g., hay, organic matter) to retain soil moisture.

• Maintain consistent watering from early spring through fall harvest, as moisture shortages impact both the current and following year’s yield.

Fertilization

Newly Planted Trees:

• Apply 1/2 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer when new growth appears.

• Repeat six to eight weeks later, but avoid fertilizing after July 30 in northern regions.

• Pecan trees suffering from zinc deficiency will see poot nut production and unhealthy leaves. 

Mature Trees:

• Use ammonium sulfate (or other nitrogen fertilizers) in early spring.

• Apply 1.5 cups per year of tree age (e.g., a 5-year-old tree gets 7.5 cups).

• For orchard trees: Broadcast fertilizer evenly across the root zone.

• For lawn/landscape trees: Use crowbar-made holes at 2-foot intervals to prevent lawn damage.

• Pecans require nickel for proper nutrient uptake. Use Nickel Plus as a foliar spray or soil drench.

Harvesting

• Nuts are ready when husks lose their bright green color and begin to split.

• Allow nuts to drop naturally or gently knock them from branches with a bamboo pole.

• Cure harvested nuts by drying them thoroughly before storage.