Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a deciduous tree of the Juglandaceae family native to northern Mexico and the southern United States. It is fast growing specie and reaches 20-40 meters in height in the areas where it is native, therefore it is a large tree. It is a very plastic species that adapts from warm coastal areas to cold areas with numerous frosts, depending on the variety. Currently the only breedings programs are from United States. Its nuts, called pecans, were appropriated a delicacy by the American aborigines and are currently still coveted, their demand increases worldwide both for their fantastic organoleptic properties for pastries and snacks as well as for their nutritional qualities, where their high content of antioxidants stands out. . It is a tree with great tradition in the culture of the United States, as it reflects traditions such as the famous "pecan pie" made with this fruit, festivals to mark the pecan harvest, and it even becomes the official tree of the state of Texas or recently the official state nut of Georgia.

The plantations of these trees are usually carried out in areas with deep quality soils, if possible loose, and with availability of water. So they are ideal trees for lowland areas. They get quite large so they need wide tree spacing. If grafted plant is used, the trees produce the first nuts after 3-4 years, although the first harvests are delayed until 6 years. This depends on the varieties, some of which are more precocious. If ungrafted plant is used, this first harvest is delayed for more than 10 years, in addition to not being assured a walnut quality acceptable by the market. Average productions can be around 2000 - 3000 Kg / ha on average, tending to a biennial due date, that is, there are years of high harvest followed by years with low harvest. There are varieties more prone to this alternance, although there are agronomic methods to soften this behavior.

They are trees that, with proper orchard design and management, can be managed under organic cultivation standards,  increasing the conomoic revenue of the plantation.

The market in Europe is currently very attractive due to the high demand that is being generated as the population gradually becomes aware of its existence and of the fantastic flavor and nutritional characteristics of the pecan nut.

In general, it is a novel and very attractive alternative crop that can generate high returns in a market niche that is emerging right now in Europe and has a long way to go. They are trees that require good growing conditions and where advice is practically essential for proper management due to the general ignorance of this crop. By selecting the varieties well, it adapts from coastal Mediterranean areas  to areas of north and central Europe.

The pecan is a very suitable tree for backyard garden, if it is large. If the right variety is chosen, a single tree can be planted, although it is advisable to put at least two for better pollination. It is a large deciduous tree with a lush shade that makes it very attractive as an ornamental and also gives us its wonderful nuts in autumn that will delight the whole family.

Origin: Cross of 'Mohawk' and 'Starking Hardy Giant'

Nuts per Kg: 120 (medium to large size)

Percent kernel: 55 %

Flowering habit: Protandrous (Male flowers before) Type I

Harvest date: End of September

Other comments: Tree of medium precocity with very good productions and nuts of good size and quality. It is one of the most popular and used varieties due to its good characteristics, among which the early harvest stands out.

Origin: Cross of 'Halbert' y 'Mahan'

Nuts per Kg: 130 (medium size)

Percent kernel: 56 %

Flowering habit: Protogynous (female flowers before) Type II

Harvest date: End of October

Other comments: One of the most widely planted varieties in the USA and an outstanding young tree. If grown correctly it can be very productive. Medium-sized nuts with good kernel filling.

Origin: Tree discovered in Texas in 1895

Nuts per Kg: 160 (medium to small size)

Percent kernel: 53 %

Flowering habit: Protandrous (male flowers before) Type I

Harvest date: End of October

Otros comentarios: Old and traditional variety widely used in some areas of the USA where it becomes very productive, in other areas it does not behave too well. High quality small nuts.

Origin: Tree discovered in Mississippi in 1910

Nuts per Kg: 105 (large size)

Percent kernel: 53 %

Flowering habit: Protogynous (female flowers before) Type II

Harvest date: End of October

Otros comentarios: Old variety with large nuts and good visual appeal, making them very popular and highly valued in the market. It is a vigorous tree with good productions but that can have grain filling problems if agronomic measures are not taken to correct this defect. In Southern Spain is the most used variety.

Origin: Cross of Success x Mahan

Nuts per Kg: 100 (large size)

Percent kernel: 52 %

Floweing habit: Protogynous (female flowers before). Type II

Harvest date: End of October

Otros comentarios: Large and precocious variety with good initial productions. With age, it may show a marked loss of quality and loss of fruit quality if proper agronomic management is not done.

Origing: Open pollination of Schley

Nuts per Kg: 120 (medium to large size)

Percent kernel: 51 %

Flowering habit: Protandrous (male flowers before) Type I

Harvest date: Mid October

Otros comentarios: Precocious and productive tree and very productive when is young. High-quality nuts golden coloured and well filled that makes them very attractive. With age, it can show a marked alternate and showing a loss of nuts quality on years with excessive production if proper agronomic management is not done, similar as happens with Mohawk.

Origin: Mahan x Desirable

Nuts per Kg: 105 (large size)

Percent kernel: 53 %

Flowering habit: Protogynous (female flowers before). Type II

Harvest date: End of October

Otros comentarios: Precocious and very productive tree with large walnuts. Years with very high production nut quality can be affected like all precocious varieties. When trees are getting older tends to have erratic productions and a decrease in quality that can be smoothed out with correct agronomic management.

As part of our continuous research work, we are evaluating and producing many other cultivars in our pecan collection with more than 30 cultivars. We are currently studying the production of northern varieties adapted to harsh winter conditions. If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact us.

The commercial cultivation of pecan in Europe is relatively recent. A good orchard design and subsequent proper management of the plantation is key to obtaining good results. We are in permanent contact with growers and researchers worldwide to offer to our customers the most up-to-date and useful information to obtain very profitable plantations.

We sell our plant to professional growers, from small quantities to test the trees in your area to large quantities for commercial plantations. Of course, we also sell trees to people interested in introducing this fantastic tree in their orchards or gardens. Please feel free to contact us, we will happy to talk with you!

We ship trees throughout Europe through a transport agency. Please feel free to contact with us