How to Grow Pecan

Updated June 2026

A cool-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Pecan is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Pecan is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the pecan page for exact timing.

Varieties

Elliott, Scab-resistant Southern pecan (Southern nurseries)
Desirable, Large, productive (needs spray for scab) (Southern nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 39.4 ft between plants.
Sowing: sow about 2 in deep.
Water: roughly 3.2 gal per plant every 7 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Pecan weevil, Aphids and Webworm. In humid regions, Pecan scab can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant pecan where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →