Pecan Tree

The Pecan Tree is a magnificent deciduous tree that offers both beauty and utility to any landscape. With its towering height of up to 70 feet and a wide canopy, it provides ample shade and stunning seasonal color, especially in fall when its leaves turn vibrant yellow. This tree produces delicious nuts with a rich, buttery flavor, perfect for baking or snacking. In the 19th century, the pecan became a symbol of Southern agriculture and cuisine, with its cultivation spreading across the United States, particularly in Texas and Georgia. The Pecan Tree is the only native nut tree to the United States that is cultivated commercially. It’s incredibly adaptable to a range of soil types and climates, thriving with minimal care once established. Known for its drought tolerance, it’s a low-maintenance tree that rewards with years of pecan harvests. Pecan trees can live for over 100 years, and some have been known to produce nuts for up to 300 years.

Also Known As: Carya Illinoensis, Pecan Tree, Pecan Nut Tree, Kingnut, Big Shell Bark, Hicoria Pecan, Illinois Hickory, Illinois Nut Tree, Shagbark Hickory, Southern Pecan, Pecana, Pecan Hickory, Carya Pecan, Texas Nut Tree, Texas Pecan.

Plant Name:	Tree, Pecan
Latin Name:	Carya illinoensis
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	8 - 10 Years
Plant Height:	70 - 100 Feet
Spread:	40 - 60 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	5-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 40 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F for 60-90 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 40-60 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	40-60 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	60 feet

Care During the Season:

Pecan trees are best watered regularly, especially during dry periods, to promote healthy growth and nut production, but avoid overwatering, as pecan trees prefer well-draining soil. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support strong growth and fruiting. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain good airflow and shape. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from extreme temperatures. Regular monitoring for any signs of nutrient deficiencies or stress can also help keep the tree healthy throughout the growing season.

Harvesting:

Wait until the outer husks of the Pecan nuts begin to split and fall off the tree, typically in late fall. The nuts will drop naturally when they’re ripe, or you can gently shake the branches to encourage them to fall. After the nuts have fallen, collect them from the ground, ensuring they are fully mature, as immature nuts may not have developed properly. Once harvested, remove the outer husks and allow the pecans to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for several days. After drying, store the pecans in a cool, dry place or refrigerate them to maintain their freshness.