Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

When Do Pecan Trees Produce Nuts?

...
pecans image by Stephen Orsillo from Fotolia.com

Native to North America, pecan trees grow primarily in the southeastern United States. According to the University of Florida Extension, the United States pecan crop is valued at $100 to $200 million annually, with 50 percent being grown in Georgia. While more than 500 types of pecan trees exist, all follow a similar cycle in nut production.

Tree Cultivation

Young pecan trees are usually about 6 feet tall when planted and mature to more than 70 feet tall. During the first few years, young trees are carefully pruned to encourage strong trunks and branches. Depending on the cultivar, trees may not begin producing pecans for four to 12 years.

Nut Development

According to the North Carolina Pecan Growers, during winter dormancy, trees must receive at least 200 chill hours in order to produce nuts. Chill hours are temperatures between 32 degrees to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Nuts begin forming after pollination occurs in April or May. Young pecans, called nutlets, develop during the summer months and reach maturity in September and October.

Harvesting of Nuts

After a growing season of about six months, pecans are typically harvested from October through early December. Pecans are ready for harvesting when the hull or shuck splits away from the nut.

Related Articles

When Do Pecans Ripen in Texas?
When Do Pecans Ripen in Texas?
Information on a Mahan Pecan Tree
Information on a Mahan Pecan Tree
Pecan Trees for Texas
Pecan Trees for Texas
Can I Grow Avocados in Midwest Illinois?
Can I Grow Avocados in Midwest Illinois?
Which Is the Best Fertilizer for Pecan Trees?
Which Is the Best Fertilizer for Pecan Trees?
The Difference Between a Male & Female Pecan Tree
The Difference Between a Male & Female Pecan Tree
How To Harvest Macadamia Nuts
How To Harvest Macadamia Nuts
How to Prune Sweet Olive Trees
How to Prune Sweet Olive Trees
Types of Nut Trees Grown in the South
Types of Nut Trees Grown in the South
How to Identify a Persimmon Tree
How to Identify a Persimmon Tree
Nut Trees Identification
Nut Trees Identification
When Are Pecans Ripe in Georgia?
When Are Pecans Ripe in Georgia?
Fruit and Nut Trees in Washington
Fruit and Nut Trees in Washington
Nut Trees in Zone 9
Nut Trees in Zone 9
How Long Do Sequoia Trees Live?
How Long Do Sequoia Trees Live?
Garden Guides
×