 | Pecan Ample shade producers and givers of delicious pecan nuts, so loved by many of us and used in multiple recipes, pecan tree are a worthwhile investment for South Carolina growers. |
,Pecans (Carya illinoinensis) will grow in almost any soil in South Carolina, except poorly drained soil, stiff clays, or thin sands with a high water table.
Requiring lots of space to reach their standard 70-to 120-foot height and 80-to-120-foot spread, they are worthy of consideration for their beauty alone. Pecan trees should be planted well away from building and particularly important - power lines. Properly care for pecan trees will produce shade and majestic from, enhancing landscape and helping structures and dwelling stay cool under its dense canopy. If the savory nuts are your primary ambition for growing pecan trees, you can boost your chances of a good fall harvest. Starting from scratch? Be sure to buy at least two varieties with overlapping bloom cycles. Choose varieties that are resistant to pecan scab, the major disease that limits nut production. Within these constraints, the best varieties include Cape Fear, Curtis, Elliot and Stuart. New plantings will need six to 12 years to become productive.
The next step to ensure good pecan production is to fertilize properly. Improper soil fertility is the biggest factor in underperforming trees. Because pecan trees have a high zinc requirement, use specialty pecan fertilizers—typically 10-10-10 with 2 percent zinc. Broadcast the fertilizer beneath the tree’s canopy in late February. Pest control and proper sanitation of areas under the tree are just as vital.
Despite even best efforts, a bountiful pecan harvest just isn’t possible every year. Some factors are out of our control. Best advice: prevent nut loss by harvesting early. Harvesting the nuts as soon as they mature ensures better quality. One of the quickest ways to lose nut quality is to let them lay on wet ground. Harvest early and store nuts in a clean, dry place.
References:
Bob Polomski, Extension Consumer Horticulturist, and Debbie Shaughnessy, HGIC Horticulture Specialist, Clemson University. Revised by Joey Williamson, Horticulture Specialist, Clemson University. (New 06/99. Revised 12/06.)
S. Cory Tanner. "Going Nuts for Pecan Trees". South Carolina Living. Feb. 2015
Requiring lots of space to reach their standard 70-to 120-foot height and 80-to-120-foot spread, they are worthy of consideration for their beauty alone. Pecan trees should be planted well away from building and particularly important - power lines. Properly care for pecan trees will produce shade and majestic from, enhancing landscape and helping structures and dwelling stay cool under its dense canopy. If the savory nuts are your primary ambition for growing pecan trees, you can boost your chances of a good fall harvest. Starting from scratch? Be sure to buy at least two varieties with overlapping bloom cycles. Choose varieties that are resistant to pecan scab, the major disease that limits nut production. Within these constraints, the best varieties include Cape Fear, Curtis, Elliot and Stuart. New plantings will need six to 12 years to become productive.
The next step to ensure good pecan production is to fertilize properly. Improper soil fertility is the biggest factor in underperforming trees. Because pecan trees have a high zinc requirement, use specialty pecan fertilizers—typically 10-10-10 with 2 percent zinc. Broadcast the fertilizer beneath the tree’s canopy in late February. Pest control and proper sanitation of areas under the tree are just as vital.
Despite even best efforts, a bountiful pecan harvest just isn’t possible every year. Some factors are out of our control. Best advice: prevent nut loss by harvesting early. Harvesting the nuts as soon as they mature ensures better quality. One of the quickest ways to lose nut quality is to let them lay on wet ground. Harvest early and store nuts in a clean, dry place.
References:
Bob Polomski, Extension Consumer Horticulturist, and Debbie Shaughnessy, HGIC Horticulture Specialist, Clemson University. Revised by Joey Williamson, Horticulture Specialist, Clemson University. (New 06/99. Revised 12/06.)
S. Cory Tanner. "Going Nuts for Pecan Trees". South Carolina Living. Feb. 2015
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