The Best Pecans for Georgia

Pecan Trees Recommended for Georgia

• Elliot and Sumner are good for home orchards and these species as well as Kanza offer excellent and good resistance to scab fungus. Caddo yields large nuts and has been a high producer. Pawnee has a large nut size combined with very early nut maturity. The average harvest date for Pawnee has been October 3, which is at least two weeks earlier than Stuart. Desirable, a type of pecan, sets the standard for nuts in the Southeast even though it is the most scab susceptible of the pecans. Forkert and Oconee are also recommended.

Pecans

• CAES considers Cape Fear the pecan of the future, Creek and Kiowa are not highly recommended for the industry in Georgia but in some situations have merit. Though it bears quickly and is disease resistant, the Creek bares only average kernel yields. Kiowa produces a very large, high-quality nut and most years quality has been good. However, quality will suffer during high crop yields.

Pecan Trees Recommended for Trial

• Byrd is one of the very few cultivars with a large size erne and a very early harvest date. It usually ripens in mid to late September. CAES began testing Excel in 2002 and so far it shows excellent resistance to disease. It is recommended for home orchards. Lakota, Mandan have recently been planted in the test orchards but McMillan as Excel and Zinner was planted in 2002 and so far is disease resistant and high yielding. It too is considered a good choice for a home orchard. Zinner has a good sized golden nut although the crop yields are not very good.

Pecan Trees for Low-input or High Scab Pressure Locations

• Amling has excellent resistance to most pests and medium sized, high quality nuts easy to shell. It does not, however, have a good yield potential. Amling is also considered a good option for a home orchard. Elliot, Excel, Kanza, McMillan and Sumner are considered good selections for these difficult planting areas as well.