Pecan Trees

Pecan's are truly beautiful and utilitarian trees native to the Southeast. I've always dreamed of a home with a long winding driveway with a canopy of giant old pecan trees.

I've compiled a list of facts and tips regarding selecting the right pecan for low input scenarios. These varieties might have a tendency to alternately bear, have a thick shell, or have a low meat content, but in general are of good quality and highly resistant to scab and somewhat resistance to other pests. Commercial orchard varieties produce thin shelled, high meat content nuts, but are often highly susceptible to pest and disease without high input spray systems. This isn't practical for organic or home gardens, especially considering the size of these trees (over 100').

The list below is comprised of low-input, high-humidity, high disease & pest tolerant varieties.

Name	Started	Yrs to Bear	Meat %	Type	Nut Size	Alt Bearing Ratio	Detail
*Amling	Al	8	53%	I	Med - Small	--	Most highly recommended by UGA.edu for home growing
*Elliot	--	7-9	54%	II	Small	.68	This is a very popular, widely available, and pretty nut. Oct 6 harvest.
Excel	--	6	49%	II	Large	--	Large nut but shell is thick/
*McMillan	Al	6-7	51%	II	Med	low	Vigorous but unproven long term since it's fairly new to the scene. Oct 19 harvest.
Kanza	--	7	52%	II	Med-Small	.72	Like Elliot in most ways except more cold hardy
Gloria Grande	--	7-9	--	II	Large	med	Cold tolerant but suspecptible to aphids. Consistent yields (less of a tendency to alternately bear). Nov 9 harvest.
Carter	Ms or Al	7-8	50%	II	Large	--	Only OK scab resistance. Oct 18 harvest.
*Gafford	Al	7-8	50%	I	low	low	Consistent, good quality nut
*Jenkins	Al	7-8	54%	I	Large	--	Susceptible to leaf spot. Oc 16 harvest.
Syrup Mill	Al	7	47%	I	--	low	Extremely vigorous tree. Oct 16 harvest
Farley	Fl	Slow	53%	II	Small-Medium	--	Good scab resistance. Moderate aphid resistance. Low/Moderate but consistenly productive.
Candy	Ms	--	47%	II	Small	--	Prolific and early. Good scab and aphid resistance. Sept 25.
Curtis	Fl	--	54%	II	Small	--	Very good scab and good aphid resistance. Ripens late.

Type I and II describe pollen shedding vs receiving habits, and it's typcially best to mix one type I & II to ensure cross pollination. Aces.edu gives better detail on which varities can cross pollinate eachoter. * indicates my personal favorites for my area in North Alabama.

When planting for home use, space trees 60'-80' in a 3' hole 1'-2' wide. Prune 1/3 of tree after planting bare root. Fill hole with water as filling with dirt to eliminate air pockets. Add 6" mulch layer. Keep well watered for first 2 years.

The best time to plant is during early winter while tree is dormant allowing penty of time for roots to establish themselves prior to warm weather arrival.

Fun little price/variety comparisons:

• http://www.alabamapecangrowers.com/Members/nurserylistcarry.htm
• Petals From The Past: (Jemison, AL); 205-646-0069; $30-$40
  Elliot, McMillan
  Amling, Gafford, Jackson, Jenkins, Syrup Mills
  
• Dellwood Pecan Tree Nursery: (Foley, AL); 251-943-8693
• Mayo Pecan Nursery: (Grand Bay, AL); 251-865-4126
• Underwood Nursery: (Foley, AL); 251-943-8056
  Jenkins, McMillan, Carter,and Gafford
  
• Aarons Farm: (Sumner, Ga); 888-652-7939
  Elliot
  1-2 ft $13
  2-3 ft $25
  3-4 ft $40
  
• TyTy: (Ga); 888-811-9132
  Amling, Elliot, Gloria Grande (free shipping w/ phone orders)
  1-2 ft $20
  2-3 ft $30
  3-4 ft $40
  
• B & B Pecan: (Fairhope, Al); (251) 928-9031
  
• Bass Pecan: (Canton, Ms); 1-800-732-2671
  Elliot, Excel, Jackson, Kanza (container)
  3-4 ft $35
  4-6 ft $45
  
• Lakeview Pecan: (NC);
  Gloria Grande, Syrup Mill ($5 shipping, $15 min)
  Seedlings $20
  1-5 ft $25
  5-6 ft $30
  6+ ft $35
  

References:

• http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0674/
• http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/fruits/pecan/
• http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/fruits/pecanbreeding/index.html
• http://www.alabamapecanfestival.com
• http://www.alabamapecangrowers.com/Members/nurserylist.asp