Pecan trees are native to North America. The walnut trees, which are related to the walnut, have been grown there for centuries. A warm climate, soil that is not too moist and enough space are the prerequisites for the tree to thrive.
How and where should you plant a pecan tree?
To plant a pecan tree, choose a warm, sunny location with deep, nutrient-rich soil without waterlogging. The best time to plant is early fall or spring. Maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from other trees.
Which location do pecan trees prefer?
Pecans love it warm. A place with direct sunlight offers the best growing conditions.
Choose the location carefully, as the tree cannot be transplanted later because of its long taproots.
What should the soil be like?The soil must be as deep as possible because of the taproots. The tree grows best in nutritious soil. Waterlogging should be avoided as it damages the roots.
- Loose the soil deeply
- Remove thickenings
- Enrich with mature compost
When is the best time to plant the trees?
The best time to plant is early fall. But pecans can still be planted in spring. It is important that they receive enough water during the growing season without waterlogging forming.
What distance do pecans need from other trees?
Pecan trees grow quite large, up to 35 meters. The distance to other plants should be at least ten meters.
When and how are pecans harvested?
It takes five to eight years until the first harvest.
The nuts are ripe in October. Ripeness can be recognized when the shells of the pecans begin to open and the nuts fall to the ground.
You can gently shake the branches to make ripe fruits fall. You should not pick the nuts. Shaking should be done very carefully, otherwise the tree will no longer bear as well next year.
How are pecans propagated?
Reproduction occurs through the nuts, which ripen in the very soft shells.
Can a tree be grown from pecans?
Pecans from nut mixtures are generally not suitable for growing a pecan tree. You can get good seeds from specialist retailers.
The seeds germinate very difficultly if they are grown in the pot. It therefore makes more sense to buy a pre-grown tree commercially. Local nurseries rarely offer pecan trees, but they can be ordered online from special mail-order nurseries.
Tips & Tricks
In the USA, “Pecan Day” is celebrated every April 14th. The tree is also the national tree of Texas.
