Self-Pollinating Pecans

Flowers

• Pecan trees are monoecious, which means they bear separate male and female flowers on the same tree. Both flowers are green and elongated. Male flowers are catkins that form at the end of the prior season’s growth, and female flowers resemble spikes that form on the current season’s growth. Flowers are wind-pollinated. In general, male and female flowers of pecan trees reach maturity at different times.

Pollination

• Though pecan trees are capable of self-pollination, the different maturity times of female and male flowers discourage it. Pollen of male flowers often is shed before or after the window of receptivity in female flowers. This is nature’s way of encouraging cross-pollination with different genetics. Self-pollination reduces the quality of nuts, and growers encourage cross-pollination for the best nut quality.

Varieties

• To ensure cross-pollination and a good yield of nuts, place pecan trees no more than 300 feet from a different variety of pecan. The best variety for your landscape depends on your climate. For example, in Texas, one of the varieties AgriLife Extension recommends is the Desirable. it sheds pollen early and thrives in humid areas of east and south Texas. In the Midwest, Purdue University suggests the Green River and Pansy as cultivars that shed pollen over an extended period.

Harvest

• Pecans are a treat to wildlife, such as deer, turkeys, raccoons and squirrels. To save your crop, harvest as soon as the shuck opens to reveal the nut inside. According to AgriLife Extension, pecans harvested early have high water content. Before storing pecans, dry them in a shady environment at room temperature for two weeks.