What are the growing conditions for pecan? An analysis of the latest cultivation requirements

Pecan is the fruit of the American hickory, a purely wild nut type with a thin, easy-to-peel shell and rich nutrition. It is a natural green food free of any public-hazard pollution and has high cultivation value. It originated in the south-central part of the North American continent, and is now cultivated in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Let us take a look together below at what growing conditions pecan requires!

Temperature conditions

Pecan prefers a warm and humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 15.2°C being suitable. It can withstand a maximum temperature of 41.7°C and is relatively cold-tolerant, suffering no freeze damage even at -15°C, but low temperatures during the flowering period will affect flowering, pollination and flower development.

Water requirements

Pecan growth requires a relatively large amount of water, and the water requirements differ at different phenological stages throughout the year. Generally, a moderate amount of rain is required before flowering during the spring shoot growth period; during the flowering period from late April to mid-May, continuous overcast and rainy weather should be avoided; and from June to September, which is the period of fruit and naked bud development, sufficient and evenly distributed rainfall is required.

Light conditions

Pecan is not very demanding about light. In its young stage it requires a cool, shaded environment, so seedling cultivation must be artificially shaded. Adult trees grow poorly on sunny, dry and barren south-facing slopes.

Soil selection

The soil for planting pecan should preferably be a loose gravelly loam rich in humus and formed from weathered limestone. The best are oil-black soil and yellow soil developed on limestone, as well as yellow soil developed on sandstone, slate and shale. Red soil and sandy soil are not suitable for growth.