How to Grow Pecan

A cool-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Pecan is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Pecan is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the pecan page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Elliott, Scab-resistant Southern pecan (Southern nurseries)
• Desirable, Large, productive (needs spray for scab) (Southern nurseries)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 1200 cm (472 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 5 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 12 L per plant every 7 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Pecan weevil, Aphids and Webworm. In humid regions, Pecan scab can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant pecan where you garden.

See also: Pecan in the plant library →

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