Pecan

The Pecan tree is large, hardy and productive. It can tolerate very big frosts and very hot summers and makes a beautiful specimen tree for any park or large garden. They are very easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of conditions. The husks split when ripe and the nuts fall to the ground, ready to be eaten or stored for later use.

There are many varieties but a favourite is Mohawk. It is a self-fertile variety that produces very big nuts of very good flavour. The tree is vigorous but can be pruned for a compact shape. A pollinator such as Pawnee is very good for enhancing pollination in some situations. Both varieties are known short-season types which ensures that they will ripen in southern Australia before the cold season starts. In gardens of limited space or where bird damage is a risk, trees must be pruned to a compact shape from their early life to allow the applaication of a good birdnet.

Pecan is hardy enough to plant all year round but the best planting season is in the cooler months of autumn water and spring.