Description
Northern Sweet Pecan Tree Seeds / Nuts
Carya illinoinensis
The Northern Sweet Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is one of the most valuable and historically important nut trees native to North America. Long cultivated for its sweet, thin-shelled edible nuts, the pecan has been grown in orchards and plantations for generations, extending as far north as Illinois due to cold-hardy northern selections.
Pecan trees have deep historical roots in the United States—Thomas Jefferson planted pecan seeds at Monticello, and some of those original trees still stand today at Mount Vernon. Beyond nut production, pecan wood is highly prized for furniture, flooring, veneer, and smoking meats, making this tree both agriculturally and economically significant.
This is the largest species in the hickory family, forming a massive, long-lived shade tree. While pecans can be grown as a single specimen, cross-pollination between two or more trees is required for consistent and heavy nut production.
🌿 Key Features:
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Botanical Name: Carya illinoinensis
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Common Name: Northern Sweet Pecan
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Growth Habit: Large deciduous nut tree
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Height: 70–100 feet (up to 160 feet in ideal conditions)
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Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
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Nut Type: Sweet, edible pecans
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Pollination: Requires cross-pollination
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Sun: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)
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Soil: Fertile, well-drained sandy loam preferred
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Water: Moderate; consistent moisture needed
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Use: Nut production, shade tree, orchard planting
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Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–9
Northern Sweet Pecan trees grow best in full sun with ample space for root development, as their root systems spread wide and shallow near the soil surface. Consistent watering and fertilization are essential during establishment and for long-term nut production. Once mature, pecan trees become majestic, productive, and long-lived additions to home orchards and large landscapes.
Whether planted for edible nuts, shade, or historical significance, the Northern Sweet Pecan is a rewarding tree for growers with space and patience.
Pecan Germination:
1) Soak seeds in water and let them soak for 4 days. Be sure to change water daily.
2) Cold stratify by placing in a bag of wet peat moss or vermiculite. Cut a few small holes in the bag for air circulation and place inside the fridge for 90 days. Periodically check to ensure they stay slightly moist, but never overly wet.
3) Plant them in well draining potting soil between 1-2" inches deep.
4) Keep the soil very warm at 85 degrees with a heated propagator. Turning it off at night to create alternating temperatures will mimic their natural conditions and help with germination.
5) Expect staggered or erratic germination with seeds sprouting anywhere between 4-8 weeks.
Germinación de pecanas:
1) Remoje las semillas en agua y déjelas en remojo durante 4 días. Asegúrese de cambiar el agua a diario.
2) Estratifique en frío colocándolas en una bolsa con turba húmeda o vermiculita. Haga algunos agujeros pequeños en la bolsa para que circule el aire y colóquelas dentro del refrigerador durante 90 días. Revíselas periódicamente para asegurarse de que se mantengan ligeramente húmedas, pero nunca demasiado mojadas.
3) Plántelas en tierra para macetas con buen drenaje, a una profundidad de entre 1 y 2 pulgadas.
4) Mantenga la tierra muy caliente a 85 grados con un propagador calentado. Apagarlo por la noche para crear temperaturas alternas imitará sus condiciones naturales y ayudará con la germinación.
5) Espere una germinación escalonada o errática con semillas que brotarán en cualquier momento entre 4 y 8 semanas.