Growing Pecan TreeThe Pecan Tree is one North America’s most precious nut producing trees. With the Latin name, Carya illinoensis, the ordinary Pecan Tree is a part of the hickory genus, Carya, which is of the walnut family. This is a native of North America, stretching from Texas to Illinois. The Indians have been consuming pecans way before the European settlers arrived in the country. They’ve used its oils for seasoning, ground the nuts into meal make the stews thicker, cooked them with their beans, and roasted them for consumption during extended hunting trips. We still eat native pecans, however, by means of plant breeding, the nut’s size and its quality has grown considerably over the years. Growing Conditions This nut producing tree develops well in southern conditions. But, it will also grow in zones 6 to 9. For high production, the best conditions to grow them are during long and warm season with not much of a drop in temperature at nighttime. Up north, picans are grown. These are trees are the product of a cross involving a hickory and a pecan tree. These are cultivated in the northern areas because they can bear the cold weather. Pecan trees are large; they grow to about 150 feet in height when mature. The tree has a scattered canopy and foliage that’s dark green. Fruit Description The fruit of the pecan tree is thin. They are usually 4-angled husks that form clusters ranging from 3 to 6. They can turn yellowish green to brown in color as they ripen. The fruit is enclosed a shell that’s around 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches long. This tough, oblong-shaped shell with a tip that’s pointed and a rounded base is light to reddish brown in color. The kernel is sugary sweet. The fruits can be picked at any time past the opening of the husks. Although, it would be more uncomplicated if you waited until after the husks are open and the nuts are somewhat dry. Nut Sizes The size of the pecan nut depends on the variety, age, crop size and moisture states during the growing period until the hardening of the shell. The majority of trees will begin to produce nuts in 5 to 8 years. A lot of the trees bear fruits alternately – large crops this year and small crops the next. Pecan Nutrition The pecan fruits are a full protein. They include considerable amounts of 18 important amino acids. These fruits are great energy sources, but, they are also high in fat. Other nutritional content include calcium, phosphorous, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B, C, Niacin, and Thiamin. Planting In growing pecan trees, you have space the trees at least 35 feet apart. This is because the trees grow really large. Even at 35 feet apart, you still have to thin them out in the future to 50 foot apart. Pecan trees grow well in full sun and in fertile soil. Deep rooted, trees need large amounts of water when they are still growing. Producing Nuts At least 2 types are needed for cross-pollination to produce nuts. They can turn out to be a good shade tree. But, harvesting excellent nuts in a home setting can be a little difficult. There are various insects and plant diseases that attack the trees. Commercial growers have better equipment for taking care of these problems. Because these trees are large in size, it can be hard, if not impossible for home growers to spray the entire tree. So, just think of your pecan trees as trees for shade. If it produces excellent nuts, think of it as a bonus. If you are trying to find pecans that are good for eating, ask the growers in your area. Harvesting & Storage Pecans are harvested in mid October through the month of November, and seldom into the month of December. Gathering nuts that fell is optional for home harvesting, although you normally have to fight off squirrels. For small harvests, you can tap the limbs using a padded stick so the nuts will drop. You may also use tree shakers. After gathering the nuts, you take them out of their outer husks and then sorted out. The nuts are then collected, taken out from their outer husks and finally sorted. Pecan nuts quickly lose their quality on the ground, especially when the weather is wet, so it is essential to harvest shortly after shaking. Fresh pecans have to be air dried for approximately 2 to 3 weeks before it is stored. Common Problem Pecan Tree The pecan scab is the disease that’s most common. This causes dirty black spots on the trees leaves and irregularity of the nuts. Black spots often cover the nuts too. The pecan tree experience insect problems like stinkbugs. These bugs cause tiny astringent black spots on the pecan’s meat. Another insect problem is the casebearer. This causes tiny worms inside the nut. These problems can be prevented by spraying the trees 10 to 15 times every year. Similar Posts _________________________________________________________________ Top of Pecan Tree Listed under Landscape Plants |