FAQs
Where are you located?
We are located in Central Texas just north of Bryan/College Station Area.
How many trees do you have?
The orchard started out with 3000 trees 32 years ago but as the trees grow they have to be thinned out (removed) so they don’t crowd each other. We remove about 100 trees a year.
Aren't all Pecans the same?
No, all pecans are not the same. There are over 250 varieties of pecans, each with unique characteristics. The most common differences include:
Size and Shape: Pecans can range from small and round to large and elongated. Larger varieties, like the Desirable or Stuart, are popular for snacking, while smaller varieties may be used for baking.
Shell Thickness: Some pecans have thin shells (referred to as “papershell” pecans) that are easier to crack, while others have thicker shells that require more effort to open.
Flavor: Pecans vary in flavor intensity. Some varieties, like Pawnee, have a sweet, mild flavor, while others, like Wichita, are richer and more robust.
Texture: The texture can also differ, with some pecans being crisp and crunchy, while others are more tender and buttery.
Oil Content: Pecans with higher oil content tend to be richer and have a softer texture, whereas lower oil content varieties may be firmer.
These differences make certain types of pecans better suited for specific uses, such as snacking, baking, or cooking.
What kind of soil do Pecan Trees grow best in?
Pecan trees grow best in deep, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Here are the key soil conditions they thrive in:
Loamy Soil: Pecan trees prefer loamy soils, which are a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay. This type of soil provides good drainage while retaining moisture, which is important for root development.
Sandy Loam: While pecans can adapt to various soil types, sandy loam is often ideal because it allows for better root penetration and reduces waterlogging.
pH Level: Pecan trees thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soils, with an optimal pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. This pH range ensures that essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are readily available to the tree.
Depth: Pecans need deep soils, at least 5 feet or more, to accommodate their extensive root systems. Shallow or compacted soils can restrict root growth and limit the tree’s access to nutrients and water.
Well-Drained: It’s essential that the soil drains well to prevent root rot, as pecan trees don’t tolerate waterlogged conditions. However, the trees still need consistent moisture, so soils that hold moisture without becoming waterlogged are ideal.
Adding organic matter and ensuring proper drainage can improve the soil quality if you’re planting pecans in an area that doesn’t naturally meet these conditions.
Where are pecans grown?
Pecans are a truly “made-in-America” nut though other countries like Mexico have started growing them as well. They grow best in warmer weather. They need lots of water. Georgia and Texas often are the top producers of Pecans though other states including New Mexico, Arizona, and Oklahoma are large producers as well.
What is the growing season?
The pecan growing season in Texas typically spans from April to December, though specific timing can vary depending on weather conditions and the variety of pecan. Here’s a general breakdown of the season:
1. Budding and Flowering (April to May)
- Pecan trees begin to bud and produce flowers in the spring, usually starting in April. Warmer temperatures and longer days signal the trees to start growing. This stage is critical as successful pollination will determine the nut crop.
2. Nut Development (June to August)
- After pollination, pecan nuts begin to develop throughout June, July, and August. During this period, the pecans grow in size, and the nuts’ inner kernel starts forming. Trees need consistent water and nutrients to ensure healthy nut development.
3. Maturation and Filling (September to October)
- During September and October, the pecans mature, with their kernels filling out and their shells hardening. The husks around the pecans will also begin to dry and split. This is when the pecans reach full size and oil content develops, giving them their rich flavor.
4. Harvesting (October to December)
- Harvesting usually begins in late October through December when the pecan husks start to split and the nuts drop. The exact harvest time depends on the variety and location within Texas. For example, pecans in South Texas might be ready earlier than those in Central or North Texas.
5. Dormancy (Winter months)
- After the nuts are harvested, pecan trees go dormant during the colder months, typically from December through February. During this time, the trees conserve energy in preparation for the next growing season.
In Texas, the long, warm growing season and abundant sunshine provide ideal conditions for pecans to thrive.
How are pecans harvested?
Modern orchards, including ours, perform mechanical harvesting; A tree shaker grabs the tree trunks and gives a high frequency 10 second shake to dislodge all the ripe pecans. A mechanical harvestor comes and picks up the pecans from the ground and gets rid of twigs and leaves. These pecans are transferred into trailers for cleaning/processing/shelling.
What's a paper-shell pecan?
A paper shell pecan is a type of pecan variety known for having an exceptionally thin shell, making it much easier to crack open compared to other pecan varieties. The thinness of the shell allows you to crack it by hand or with minimal force, often using just a nutcracker or even your fingers.
Here are some key characteristics of paper shell pecans:
Ease of Cracking: The shell is so thin that it can be cracked with less effort, making these pecans more convenient for snacking.
Larger Kernels: Paper shell varieties tend to produce larger kernels, which are easier to extract in whole pieces.
Popular Varieties: Some well-known paper shell pecan varieties include Pawnee, Kiowa, and Cheyenne. These varieties are commonly grown in commercial orchards due to their ease of harvest and consumer preference.
Quality and Taste: Paper shell pecans often have a high-quality kernel with a rich, buttery flavor, making them a favorite for snacking and baking.
Because of their convenience and flavor, paper shell pecans are popular in markets, especially for those looking to easily enjoy fresh, whole pecans.
What is the best way to store pecans?
What can be made with pecans?
The number of dishes, both sweet and savory, is endless. Pecans are very versatile. Some of our most popular recipes and from some of our customers are given on our recipe page.
Do you harvest your own pecans?
Yes, we have a complete line of professional equipment to do our own harvest. We also have a top-of-the-line shelling plant to extract kernels from the nut.
What's so special about your pecans?
Pecans come in hundreds of varieties and flavors; Even within a specific variety, a nut grown in one type of soil will taste different than another soil. Our rich, deep, river-bed soil helps us generate top tasting pecans. That’s why once you buy from us, no other pecan will do. We don’t do a whole lot of advertising because our regular customers cannot get enough of our harvest. We usually sell out by the first week in December, so order early!
Can I order early to make sure I get some?
Yes, we start taking orders in October. Note however, that Pecan production varies year to year depending on many factors. We try to do our best to accommodate all our customers. Since we only sell current year crop, once they are gone, they’re gone!