How to grow Pecans

We're here to help you grow Pecan trees at home. Here are some tips on how to care for your new tree!

Like most nut trees, Pecans require deep, well draining soil, fertile soil. They will not tolerate waterlogged soil and will develop root rot as a result. Avoid planting in heavy clay unless the soil has been amended. Heavy soils can be improved by incorporating gypsum and organic matter and mounding the soil before planting to improve drainage. 

Plant Pecan trees in a full sun position. 

Yes, Pecan trees are frost tolerant. 

Pecan trees should be planted at least 20m apart, well away from structures or powerlines due to their size. 

Late autumn or early spring is the best time to transplant most dormant plants. Plants, with the exception of bare-root, can be transplanted at anytime between when the ground thaws and when it freezes (so anytime if you are in a frost free climate). However, if transplanting in the heat of summer, you'll need to be diligent in watering and provide extra shade for your plant in the first few weeks after transplanting. 

Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball. The hole should allow the plant to sit at the same level in the soil as it was previously. Fill the hole with soil ensuring the crown of the plant, where roots and stem meet, is level with the soil surface. 

Plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn.  

Top-dress the soil around your Pecan tree with well-rotted organic matter in spring, along with a balanced organic fertiliser. Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree up to the drip line to retain moisture (be careful not to pile mulch against the tree trunk as this may lead to trunk rot and disease). 

Gather the Pecans as they fall to the ground.

Pests that can affect Pecan trees include: Black Pecan Aphid, Pecan Nut Casebearer, Pecan Weevil. 

Diseases that can affect Pecan trees include: Anthracnose, Downy Spot, Powdery Mildew, Vein Spot, Zonate Leaf Spot, Bacterial Leaf Scorch, Crown Gall, Scab, Shuck and Kernel Rot. 

Pecan trees generally take 6 to 10 years after planting before they begin to produce a good crop.

Pecans have both male and female flowers but they do not bloom at the same time, this makes pollination quite difficult. To ensure successful pollination, at least 2 trees from different types should be planted, one that has its male flowers open first and one that has its female flowers open first. Clarify with your local tree nursery before purchasing to ensure that you have the right trees.

Pecan trees often crop heavily one year and lightly the next, so don't be alarmed if this occurs. 

Pecan trees grow to be very large and are not a suitable choice for growing in a small space.