Planting Candy Pecan Trees

Candy pecans are a variety of pecan tree that have a lush canopy in the spring and make attractive backyard specimens. They grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5b to 9a -- across the South and extending to parts of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Pennsylvania. According to the University of Georgia, Candy pecan trees produce small nuts that average about 78 nuts per pound, often making them commercially unattractive. However, the kernels generally develop well, with a high percentage qualifying as fancy grade. These kernels contain plenty of oil and taste good.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Hoe or shovel
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Buy candy pecan trees from a reliable nursery in early fall. The trees should be about 4 to 8 feet tall.

2. Measure the size of the tree's root system, starting from the line where the bark turns from gray to dark brown.

3. Dig a hole as big as the root system, using a hoe or shovel.

4. Place the tree in the hole, with the roots firmly meeting the bottom of the hole; otherwise, the tree could develop poorly or die.

5. Shovel the soil you dug out of the hole back into the hole. Pack it tightly around the tree roots.

6. Apply 5 gallons of water to the soil around the tree.

7. Wrap the lower 18 inches of the trunk with aluminum foil to prevent shoot growth, freeze damage, sunburn and pest attacks.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant Cape Fear, Desirable or Schley pecan trees close to Candy pecan trees for pollination because pollination between the same cultivars usually leads to small crops and poor nut quality.

References

• University of Georgia Cooperative Extension: Pecan Varieties for Georgia Orchards
• University of Georgia: Candy
• University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension, Miller County: Establishment and Maintenance of Landscape Pecan Trees in Southwest Arkansas
• University of Florida Enviornmental Horticulture: Carya Illinoensis -- Pecan