How to grow pecans from seeds. Where does common pecan grow

Where are pecans grown?

Caria grows in the USA, Central Asia, on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, in the Crimea, Abkhazia, Krasnodar Territory.

In Indiana, Iowa, Texas, and along the Mississippi River, hazel is grown for sale. About 80% of the fruits sold in markets and supermarkets around the world are imported from America. Pecans are also cultivated and exported in the following countries:

• Australia.
• Brazil.
• Mexico.
• Peru.
• China.
• Hawaii.
• Israel.
• Greece.
• Italy.
• France.
• Spain.

For your information: Some plant varieties are able to withstand frosts down to -30˚C, which allows them to be cultivated in the northern regions, although they are not willing to bear fruit there.

Pecan or mysterious culture

For a long time I could not even find out the name of the plant, the nuts of which I got. Outwardly, they are similar to walnuts, but more oblong and slightly pointed at the ends. The shell is smooth, thin, there are no partitions inside. The kernels look like walnuts, but the folds on them are not as sinuous.

The taste is softer and sweeter. After reviewing more than one directory and identifier, I realized that this is an ordinary pecan (or Caria Illinois

). The culture is capable of bearing fruit for 300-400 years! It belongs to the genus hickory of the walnut family. It is a spreading deciduous tree up to 60 m in height. Their leaves are like those of mountain ash, but larger - up to 50 cm in length and without notches at the edges.

Pecans are grown commercially in Central Asia and the southeastern United States. In our country, there are small plantings of it in the Caucasus and the Crimea.

Description of the tree

Kariya is a tree with a height of 25-40 meters or more. The diameter of the trunk of an adult plant is about 2-2.5 m. Pecans with a height of more than 50 m are found in tropical forests.

Pecans grow to this size only in South America and other countries with hot, humid climates. The varieties growing in the Caucasus, Ukraine, Moldova are much lower and have a smaller trunk diameter.

Young pecans

The tree trunk is covered with thick bark with deep cracks. Young shoots are covered with fine down, which eventually disappears, exposing brown branches.

The length of the leaves is 10-12 cm, the width is 2.5-7 cm. The leaves have a dense, smooth and shiny surface.

Flowers male and female differ in appearance. The males are collected in earrings of several flowers that grow from the leaf sinuses and the bases of the shoots. Male flowers have a drooping shape, and female flowers are sessile, located at the tips of young shoots. Most of the flowers are pollinated by the wind, so a lot of ovary is more often formed on those trees that grow in groups. The flowering period is from May to June.

Caria is distinguished by good fruiting. About 5 kg of the crop is harvested from one young pecan. An adult tree gives up to 15 kg, and an old one - up to 200 kg.

Reference: Seedlings grown from seeds begin to bear their first fruits after 7-9 years. The beginning of fruiting of grafted trees is observed after 4-5 years.

The life span of a tree reaches 100, and sometimes 300 years.

Reproduction and planting

Kariya gets along well in different territories. Several methods are used to reproduce it:

1. By grafting on a similar tree variety (white Pecan).
2. Cuttings.
3. Budding.

In addition to these methods, planting with nuts is actively used. Nuts that have fallen out of their peel on their own, without human assistance or natural conditions (wind), are considered fully ripe. They should be of normal brown color, without any tarnishing or putrid odor. Such fruits are planted in a specially prepared place immediately after harvesting. Furrows are formed at least 10 cm deep. Nuts are laid down, sprinkled with earth on top.

The planting scheme should be such that there are at least 10, but not more than 15 seedlings per 1 m.

It is recommended to make gaps of about 1 m between planted furrows. This planting method provides natural stratification - hardening of young seedlings in winter conditions. In spring, practically all planted nuts produce young, strong shoots.

If you plant seedlings in the spring, then the event is required no earlier than April. Planting in the new year is a problematic procedure. There are several preparatory steps to be carried out before burying into the ground:

1. Carry out artificial stratification.
2. Place the planting material in a container with water, for a period of 2-3 days.
3. Wet nuts are laid out in fresh sawdust or peat, abundantly moistened with water.
4. Move to a cool cellar or balcony.
5. Control over the quality of the soil substrate - constantly wet, the temperature should not exceed 4 C - better less.
6. The duration of stay in a cold room is 8 weeks.

The planting scheme is fully consistent with the autumn planting. The main thing is to choose the right place for the constant growth of Kariya. The site should be bright, sunny, not shaded. It is desirable that the young tree be shielded from fierce winds and piercing drafts.

In the area where a young seedling is planted, water should not stagnate. Otherwise, the roots of the plant will begin to rot, and the young will die without even having time to take root.

What the fruits look like

Nuts are oblong. Their length is 6-8 cm, width - 2.5 cm, and the weight of unpeeled pecans is 15-20 g. The fruits are inside the drupe, on top of which there is a fleshy-leathery shell. After ripening, it becomes hard and cracks. Nuts grow in clusters, 3-11 pieces each.

Pecan fruit on a tree.

From the description and photo it can be seen that externally, hazel is very similar to a walnut. The difference lies in the smooth, shiny and slightly ribbed drupe. The pecans have an elongated top, and the oily kernels look much the same as walnut kernels.

Hazel ripening occurs in September-October. During this period, the lignified peel begins to crack, and the nuts fall from the tree to the ground.

Storage rules

In order for a fruit such as a pecan to retain all its beneficial and vitamin substances, it must be properly stored. It is better to buy fruits in a shell that is free from damage and cracks. Moreover, it is easy to clean. If peeled fruits are purchased, then they must be carefully examined before buying. The nut should be whole and fleshy.

Store such fruits in closed containers or containers. Ideal if the temperature is cool. In this case, the pecans can be stored for up to four months. And such a fruit is frozen. Under these conditions, it will retain its unique properties for six months.

Growing conditions

Common pecan is a warm and moisture-loving plant, therefore countries with a warm climate are the most favorable for its growth. However, thanks to the labors of breeders, today it is possible to grow varieties adapted to the climate of the middle lane. And some plant species tolerate long-term frosts down to -40 ˚С well.

The culture is propagated by seed, cuttings or grafting. When breeding at home, the first method is the most common.

In order for a tree to give good yields, the following rules must be observed:

• Nuts are sown into the ground to a depth of about 7 cm, and then covered with a layer of mulch, which prevents rapid evaporation of moisture from the soil.
• It is recommended to plant at least trees in one area. This is necessary for high-quality pollination and obtaining a large number of ovaries. It should be borne in mind that adult trees are impressive in size, so you should allocate enough space for planting seedlings.
• Pecan loves open, sunny places. It grows poorly near tall buildings and a large number of other trees.
• After planting young seedlings, it is required to provide them with regular watering. However, excess moisture can lead to root rot. To avoid this, it is recommended to plant trees in loose soil in places where there is no high groundwater. It should also be borne in mind that hazel does not tolerate too sour and salty soil.

Until young trees have reached 2-3 years of age, you need to cut the crown 2-3 times. This is necessary for the formation of a powerful skeleton. Mature trees do not need to be pruned if they are free of frosty shoots and broken branches.

During the year, the sprout that emerged from the seed reaches a height of about 30 cm. In order not to be clogged by weeds, it is required to regularly weed the areas around the trees. This will also improve the access of the sun to the aerial part and oxygen to the roots. After 2-3 years, the tree grows up to 50 cm.

Tip: When propagating by grafting, experienced gardeners recommend using a variety of white pecan as a rootstock. Growing in this way allows you to get the first harvest already at 4-5 years of life of the tree.

Due to the strong and sealed shell, the kernels are very rarely damaged by various insects. However, with prolonged high humidity, fungal diseases can appear in the bark of trees. For the prevention and control of them, fungicides are used.

Fertilization and feeding

Watering is the only responsibility that cannot be neglected when growing pecans. The tree needs a lot of water, especially during hot summers. The soil should not dry out, but care must be taken that at the same time the water does not stagnate. You also need to periodically moisten the leaves with shower watering.

The fertilization method is different for young and mature trees. The shoots must be fed in 2 stages:

1. In the spring, nitrogenous fertilizers are used to actively stimulate growth.
2. In September, you need to add phosphorus and potassium. This stimulates rapid maturation of the wood and provides a more bountiful harvest in a year.

Adult pecans are fertilized only in the fall with urea, superphosphate and potassium salt. The tree does not require much. But such an unpretentious nut will consistently bring a harvest for the next couple of hundred years, providing a nutritional supplement to food not only for children, but also for great-great-grandchildren.

Collection of fruits and preparation for implementation

The total area of ​​pecan plantations cultivated in America is about 150 thousand hectares. The collection of nuts used for sale is carried out both on artificial plantations and subtropical forests located in the eastern regions of America.

The collected nuts are dried and then sorted according to quality and size. Some of them are cleaned using special equipment and subjected to further processing: fried, rolled in spices. From the kernels damaged in the process of mechanical cleaning, walnut butter is prepared, crumbs, which are used for cooking various dishes, baking, and confectionery.

Pecans

There are about 150 varieties of pecans in total.In European countries, the most popular for cultivation are:

• Stewart.
• Text.
• Success.
• Greenriver.
• Major.

The listed types of hazel are unpretentious to the composition of the soil, they normally tolerate drought and cold. However, not all of these varieties are suitable for the climate of Russia. Due to the late formation of fruits (at the end of October), they do not have time to ripen before winter.

Therefore, gardeners who decide to have pecans on their site should choose only super-northern varieties:

• Carlson-3.
• Lucas.
• Snaps.
• Campbell.
• Dearstand.

The super-northern varieties are thicker and smaller in size. Their length does not exceed 2.5 cm.

Growing pecan in the Moscow region

In order to successfully grow the presented plant in the Moscow region, it is worth considering a number of details:

• It is necessary to choose a frost-resistant grafted variety.
• Seeds for growing must be cold treated.
• Make sure that sunlight is well received by the tree.
• Nitrogen fertilizers are applied in spring, and fertilizers are added in summer and autumn.

Due to its early flowering, the tree is not afraid of frost. But at the same time, the plant should still be prepared for winter.

Due to the specific conditions of the Moscow region, the tree does not always have time to harvest over the summer. The most rational option for planting is core hazel. It is a hybrid cousin of pecan, which is able to withstand winter cold without any harm. The fruit tastes different. They have a bitter note.

Pecan composition and calorie content

Like all nuts, pecans are high in calories. 100 g of peeled fruits contains 691 kcal.

The composition of the product is as follows:

The nuclei contain vitamins C, B6, A, E, K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Applications

Caria is widely used in various fields - cosmetology, folk medicine, and cooking. Furniture and other products are made from walnut wood.

Walnut oil is used to treat coughs, sore throats, increase the body's defenses during colds. The oil obtained from hazel is also an excellent remedy for insect bites, sunburn, frostbite.

Nuts are eaten fried, raw or dried. Kernels are added to meat and fish dishes, sauces, pastries, ice cream, cocktails, sweet desserts.

Health Benefits of Pecans

1. Nutritionists and experts recommend including walnut kernels in your regular diet. This has a general strengthening effect on the entire body. In the United States of America, its medicinal properties have long been used in the treatment of numerous diseases.
2. It has been proven that walnut fruits help in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, eliminate pain in joints and muscles.
3. Recommended for vitamin deficiency.
4. Vision improves, the development of glaucoma, cataracts is prevented.
5. Due to the high content of nutrients, the body's defenses increase, and the immune system is strengthened.
6. Metabolic and metabolic processes are improved.
7. The product restores the disturbed balance of intestinal microflora in case of dysbacteriosis, intestinal upset.
8. It has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas.
9. The blood is purified.
10. Increases sexual desire, the product raises testosterone levels.
11. The aging process slows down.
12. An effective prophylactic agent against the development of oncological diseases.
13. It is used in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
14. Regular consumption of pecan kernels normalizes cholesterol levels, pH values.
15. The cardiovascular system is strengthened.
16. Oxidation products do not accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, the formation of cholesterol plaques is prevented.
17. Reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack.
18. Blood pressure is normalized.
19. Possesses antibacterial, wound healing properties.
20. Protects the stomach lining.
21. Strengthens nails, makes hair and skin healthy.
22. Relieves fatigue, is indicated for increased mental or physical stress.
23. Nuts increase appetite, provide the body with energy, tone.

The product can be used both raw and dried, fried. At the same time, the beneficial properties are not lost.

The use in cooking is different - pecan is added in the preparation of salads, meat dishes, seafood. Various desserts with the addition of nuts are popular in America.

Beneficial features

Pecans are prized for their high levels of antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids, which support heart health, reduce the risk of heart attacks, and lower cholesterol.

The high protein and fiber content and the low amount of saturated fat allow the use of hazel for vegetarians as an alternative source of protein.

In addition, nuts have the following beneficial properties:

• They normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulate intestinal peristalsis. Prevents the development of hemorrhoids, pathologies of the large intestine.
• They help you lose weight - this is due to the high calorie content of pecans, which can be used as a substitute for fatty foods leading to weight gain.
• Strengthen dental and bone tissue due to the content of phosphorus and calcium.
• Due to the large amount of magnesium, they have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce the likelihood of developing arthritis, and improve the condition of blood vessels.
• Manganese, which is present in hazel, helps to strengthen the immune system, improve the functioning of the brain and nerve fibers.
• Improves the condition of hair, nail plates, skin. Thanks to folic acid, phosphorus, B vitamins and zinc, the activity of the sebaceous glands is normalized, acne is eliminated, and the color and condition of the skin improves.

Pecan has antioxidant properties, prevents oxidation of cell membranes, slows down aging processes, and reduces the risk of developing malignant tumors.

The use of oil in cosmetology

Pecan oil, which got its name due to its interesting taste, is used for cosmetic purposes. It simultaneously has the following most useful effect:

• moisturizes the deep layers of the epidermis;
• accelerates the restoration of damaged skin areas;
• promotes cell regeneration;
• rejuvenates the face and fights the first signs of aging.

Thanks to this effect, dry and aging skin is especially beneficial for pecan oil. And due to the regular use of such a remedy, it is saturated with essential fatty acids. As a result, wrinkles begin to smooth out, noticeable pigmentation disappears, and the surface of the face becomes taut and elastic. But the procedure should be carried out correctly using this tool.

Pecan oil can be used in body care. It is ideal for massage. When rubbed into problem areas, it saturates the deep layers of the epidermis with vitamin elements. And this contributes to the renewal of the skin, its thorough hydration and undoubted rejuvenation. It helps to open the pores and thus promote the deep penetration of minerals.

Even hair can be transformed due to this amazing tool.Especially when it comes to dry, brittle and thin curls. You just need to make a special mask every week based on pecan oil, chicken egg and honey.

Contraindications

Despite the huge list of useful properties, hazel has some contraindications. These include:

• Pecan allergy.
• Obesity - If you are overweight, you should not eat too many nuts. Due to their high calorie content, they can cause weight gain. It is allowed to eat pecans when losing weight in small doses. One handful of nuts can be substituted for a sandwich with butter or fatty sausage, chips, pork, a serving of fried potatoes.

Eating large amounts of pecans uncontrolled can lead to digestive upset. To get only benefit from nuts, during the day recommended to eat no more than 40 g peeled pecans.

Procurement, storage and which ones are better to buy?

Photo: pecan nut benefits and harms
Experts recommend choosing the right plant fruits. The types of pecans can confuse potential buyers. In order to avoid force majeure situations, it is necessary to choose only the "Kariya" variety. You should buy nuts unpeeled, their shell should be intact, without cracks or damage. In this case, the fruit will retain all its beneficial properties.

During long-term storage, the plant can lose its original taste and become hazardous to health. The walnut cannot be stored for a long time. The optimal conditions for preserving useful properties is a refrigerating chamber. The fruits are stored in the refrigerator for about 4 months, in the freezer for six months.

Information sources