Pecan

Source Data

Carya pecan seeds, Pecan nuts, Nuts tree seeds, Pecan tree (lat. Carya illinoinensis).

The deciduous tree reaches 25-40 m in height, with a trunk up to 2-2.5 m in diameter, developing a tent-shaped crown when growing in the wild. The bark is thick, deeply fissured, stratified into plates. The branches are gray or gray-brown, young ones with yellow-brown lenticels. The shoots are densely pubescent.

The buds are 6-7 mm long, pubescent and glandular with opposite scales. Leaves are 10-12 cm long and 2.5-7 cm wide.

The nut is 2.5-5 cm long, shiny, dark brown with irregular dark brown spots, sometimes with a point at the top, with a brittle shell and a papery septum. The seed is in a reddish-brown thin shell, with 2 whole cotyledons. Pecans are fattier than many other nuts.

The harvest usually ripens in the second half of October, but the nuts are collected until April.

It can grow both in well-lit areas and in partial shade. Needs fertile, loose soil with good drainage. It is also important that there is no water on the site, and that the soil has good air and water permeability.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 (-29°C to -23°C).

Instructions

1. Growing Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) from seed is a rewarding process. Follow these guidelines for best results.
2. Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours before sowing to soften the seed coat. Discard any floating seeds as they are likely non-viable.
3. Sowing: Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in well-draining seed compost. Water gently and keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place in a bright location at 18–22°C.
4. Germination: Seeds typically germinate in 2–8 weeks. Keep soil consistently moist during germination. Once seedlings emerge, gradually increase ventilation.
5. Transplanting: Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have 2–3 pairs of true leaves. Harden off gradually over 7–10 days before planting in final position. Space according to the mature size of the species.
6. Aftercare: Water regularly during the first growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune as needed to maintain shape.
7. Hardiness: Hardiness varies by species and growing conditions. Young plants may need protection from extreme temperatures. Acclimatize gradually to outdoor conditions.

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