How-to Guide
How to Grow Pecan Trees
The short answer
Pecans (Carya illinoinensis) are large trees that need deep, well-drained soil, full sun, and lots of room; space trees roughly 60 to 80 feet apart and away from buildings and power lines. In the South they are commonly planted in late winter, late January to early February.
For reliable nuts you need two pollination types. Type I (protandrous) cultivars shed pollen before their female flowers are receptive, and Type II (protogynous) cultivars do the reverse, so planting at least one of each type near each other gives good overlap. Extension recommends multiple cultivars including both types.
Planting and spacing
Give each tree wide spacing so the mature canopy is not crowded. Plant into deep, well-drained soil in full sun, keeping trees well away from structures and overhead lines.
- 1Choose the site — Pick a large, open, sunny area with deep well-drained soil, spacing trees about 60 to 80 feet apart.
- 2Plant in late winter — Set out bare-root trees in late January to early February in warmer regions.
- 3Pair pollination types — Plant at least one Type I and one Type II cultivar so pollen shed overlaps with female receptivity.
Pollination and cultivars
Because pollen release and female receptivity happen at different times on a single tree, a lone pecan pollinates poorly. Planting Type I and Type II cultivars together, or at least three cultivars covering both types, improves nut set.
✔ Type I examples include Cape Fear and Pawnee; Type II examples include Stuart and Elliot. Plant compatible types within pollen range.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Clemson HGIC — Pecan Planting & Fertilization — Pecans need deep well-drained soil and wide spacing; planting guidance for home landscapes.
- NC State Extension — Pecan Tree Selection — Type I (protandrous) and Type II (protogynous) cultivars must be paired; recommends planting both pollination types.
Keep going
How to Prune Fruit Trees: A Beginner's Guide
How-to Guide
When to Prune Apple and Pear Trees
Seasonal Action Guide
When to Prune Stone Fruit: Peach, Cherry, and Plum
Seasonal Action Guide
How to Grow Chestnut Trees
How-to Guide
Do I Need Two Trees for Pollination? Self-Fertile vs. Cross-Pollinating Fruit
Reference
Which Apple Variety to Plant: Disease-Resistant Cultivars, Pollination Pairs, and Climate Fit
How to Grow Almond Trees
How-to Guide
How to Grow Apple Trees
Guide