how to grow pecan nut trees in south africa

Pecan production is widespread across South Africa, but orchards are increasingly being established in the drier Northern Cape. While pecan trees like dry conditions, they also require wet roots, and prefer short, cold winters and long, hot summers. Pecan trees need 285 days a year for growing, with warm nights.

How long does it take for a pecan tree to produce nuts?

A grafted pecan tree 4 to 6 feet tall planted in a good site and properly maintained will generally begin production in 6 to 7 years. The more precocious varieties may sometimes start production in 4 to 5 years. The less precocious varieties may take 8 to 10 years to bear.

Where are pecan nuts grown in South Africa?

From its origins in Natal and Mpumalanga, the industry slowly transitioned into the Northern Cape, where now approximately 23,000 hectares (79,073 acres) of pecan trees out of the country's total 40,000 hectares (98,842 acres) grow. South Africa is the third largest pecan producer in the world.

Where do pecan trees grow best?

The pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) is a deciduous tree native to North America and most successfully grown in hardiness zones 5-9. This member of the hickory genus can grow to heights of over 100 feet and may live and bear nuts (actually drupes) for up to 300 years.

How much water does a pecan nut tree need?

Lowveld farmers have an advantage, as irrigation is not essential; trees require around 50mm of water per week for a 1,2t/ha yield on mature trees. Farmers in drier areas, however, will need irrigation systems, which could cost up to R55 000/ha.

Do you need 2 pecan trees to produce nuts?

Pecans have both male and female flowers, but they do not bloom at the same time. This basically means that a single pecan tree cannot pollinate itself, and will not produce nuts. To get around this problem, you have to plant at least 2 trees and they cannot be the same “type”.

What is the fastest growing pecan tree?

The Pawnee Pecan (Carya illinoinensis 'Pawnee') has recently become one of the more popular pecan producing trees around. It tends to produce nuts much more rapidly than other species of pecan trees do.

What is the rarest nut in the world?

What makes macadamia nuts the most expensive nuts in the world, at $25 per pound

Macadamia nuts are the most expensive nuts in the world, at $25 per pound.
The flowering macadamia trees originated in northeastern Australia and take 7 to 10 years to begin producing nuts.

Why are pecan nuts so expensive?

The reasons behind that escalating price all come down to natural forces: supply and demand and weather. ... Their growing economy means they're more willing to pay higher prices, and that's raising prices everywhere. The demand is also moving faster than the pecans can grow.

Is a pecan farm a good investment?

“Pecans offer more profit potential than a typical row crop enterprise, a cow/calf farm or a stocker operation, even at peak cycles,” Locke says. ... But it takes good yields to make good money. “We set a target of 2,000 pounds per acre,” Rohla says.

What is the best pecan tree to plant?

Recommended varieties for Louisiana include Elliot, Candy, Sumner, Houma, Caddo, Oconee and Melrose. They are more resistant to diseases and are better suited for home landscapes. Pecans must be cross pollinated to produce well.

What is the best fertilizer for pecan trees?

If you are growing an orchard of pecan trees, and looking to make a profit, you'll probably want to use a fertilizer containing ammonium sulphate, which is typically accepted as the suitable fertilizer by most pecan tree farmers. Ammonium sulfate can be bought in bulk form, or in bags.

Can you plant just one pecan tree?

Pecans must be cross-pollinated to produce well. Generally, there are enough pecan trees in an area for this to be accomplished if you plant just one tree. Pecans are wind pollinated, and the pollen can travel some distance.

Can you over water a pecan tree?

Pecan trees must be watered at least every two weeks because a three-week drought is the most a pecan tree can withstand. If your pecan tree undergoes water stress during the late stage of its development, it can lead to a major drop in fruit.

Do Pecan trees need a lot of water?

A pecan tree needs about 100 to 200 gallons of water per day from April through October, which translates into about 2 inches of water every week. Most of the water is lost to transpiration through the stomates, or leaf pores.

Do pecan trees produce every year?

While pecan trees may produce a crop each year once they get started, heavy crops of nuts get produced in alternate years. The phenomenon, called alternate bearing, means the trees produce light crops in the other years.

Are coffee grounds good for pecan trees?

Pecan trees also require full sun throughout the day, so they should not be planted in an area that experiences any shade. Sprinkle coffee grounds around the base of Holly Shrubs and Holly Trees for dense foliage growth and improved berry production.

How do I get my old pecan tree to produce?

Low fertility and an inadequate amount of zinc can limit nut production. Fertilize according to soil test and tissue analysis. Without a soil test, the rule of thumb for fertilizing pecan trees is one pound of 13-13-13 fertilizer per tree for every year of the tree's age, up to 25 pounds.

Is there a male and female pecan tree?

Pecan trees are monoecious. This means that they produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. Male flowers are located on 4-5 inch long catkins, while female flowers are small, yellowish-green, and grow on spikes at the tips of shoots.

How long will a pecan tree live?

Pecans reach maturity at about twelve years old and can live as long as 300 years! Non-grafted seedlings and native pecan trees often take 10 to 15 years to begin to produce fruit. Grafted varieties produce fruit in 5-10 years depending on variety.

How much money can you make from a pecan tree?

Now when it is harvest time, a pecan tree can produce up to 50 pounds of pecans. The average retail cost for pecans is $3 per pound. After multiplying 50 X 3, we have $150 which is the profit. To calculate the net profit, we deduct $63 (cost of product) from $150 (total profit) which is a net profit of $87.

What is the best time to fertilize pecan trees?

Trees should be fertilized during the late dormant season, usually February or early March. If fertilizer is applied during an extended dry period, it is best to water the area thoroughly with a sprinkler, applying 1 to 2 inches of water.