Growing English Walnuts, Pecans, and Chestnuts

By R. A. Jaynes, G. C. Martin, L. Shreve, and G. S. Sibbett.

What could be simpler than to buy a nut tree seedling, plant it in a sunny location, and wait for a bountiful harvest? Unfortunately, that is not the way it goes.

Local climate and site have to be right for the species grown. Grafted trees of proven selections, as opposed to seedlings, 'are usually essential. The common crop-growing problems of weeds, fertilizer, and water must be dealt with. Plus pruning, pollination, insect, disease, rodent and bird problems. And finally, you need knowhow in harvesting, storing, and marketing.

Attention to establishment and care of nut trees is even more important than fir shorter-lived crops, because of the 5 to 10 year wait from planting to bearing. A mistake in the vegetable garden can be recouped the same or the next year, but with nut trees eight years may be needed just to learn of a mistake, such as planting the wrong variety. Yet, this challenge in growing nut trees captivates many people.

Nut trees are a highly nutritious food source and traditionally grown for their nut meats. They are also valuable as shade trees and as a source of food for wildlife.

The small landowner should consider growing seedlings or grafted trees for sale. Most nut-tree selections, especially away from geographic areas of commercial production, are difficult to obtain. Grafting and budding trees is a skilled technique, but can be learned by the interested layman.

Marketing nuts is another area where imagination can greatly enhance return. Wholesaling at the local farm market or co-op may be practical but will give a relatively low return.

Consider direct retailing, pick your own, and mail order sales.

Attractive packaging boosts sales and increases the dollar return. Even unfilled nuts have value when made into novelty items for sales at craft shops and church fairs.

Only three nut-tree species are discussed in this chapter; pecan, English walnut, and chestnut. There are numerous other possibilities including filbert, black walnut, butternut, hickory, pistachio, and macadamia.

Pecan Orchards

The pecan tree is native to North America and commonly found in the valleys of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Pecans also are grown in the southeastern states north to Virginia and in western Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

Even though outside the natural range, more pecans are commercially produced in planted groves in Georgia than in any other state. Still, over 50% of all marketed pecan nuts are produced from native groves managed intensively for nut production. The trend, however, is away from native stands and toward planted grafted trees of proven performance.

The first commercial varieties were selections from native stands, whereas most new selections are from breeding programs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Pecan Research Center at Brownwood, Texas, has been a leader in releasing new varieties, all distinguished by their Indian names.

Optimum conditions for growing pecans include deep, well-drained soils and a warm growing season. Different varieties are adapted for frost-free growing seasons of 150 to 210 days. Although the season is long enough in parts of the Northeast and Northwest to grow "northern" varieties, it is not hot enough for the kernels to develop.

The following examples illustrate how pecan growing can be profitable on small acreage with good management.

Severe hail damage to the young trees depressed yields in 1975 and 1975.

Bill Perry, a former barber, and his wife, Virginia, planted a pecan orchard in 1970 on ten acres at Quemado, Texas. Through the State Extension Service they obtained assistance on spacing, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and insect, disease, and weed control. In 1972, another 10 acres was planted with hybrid pecan varieties.

The pecans are sold directly to consumers. The only advertisement is a sign near the mailbox, "Perry's Pecan Orchard, Pecans for Sale." Customers who appreciate their high quality pecans have been their best advertisement.

Annual production and gross returns from the two plantings are given in the tables.

Costs that prospective pecan growers need to consider include:

Land purchase;

Tractor, disk, and sprayer;

Irrigation, including water, leveling, and water lines;

Planting stock;

Operating costs including labor (tillage, chemicals, fertilizer, and harvesting).

The Perrys' advice to prospective pecan growers is to find a good banker, have an understanding family, and don't be afraid to work.

Another couple, Horace and Lorine Brown, Ricksprings, Texas, purchased land containing 14 acres of native pecan trees. The undergrowth was removed by shredding in 1973. In addition, they planted 1.75 acres to selected varieties of pecan.

The native stand required thinning, spraying, and fertilization. With advice from a local grower and the Extension Service, they have begun to graft small native trees to paper-shell varieties.

The Browns work in their pecan orchard on weekends and holidays spraying, fertilizing, weeding, grafting, and thinning. Production from 1972 through 1977 has gone from less than 500 lbs a year to 7,000 lbs. Loss of nuts to squirrels is a problem, especially in years when the hundreds of acres of surrounding, unmanaged native groves have no crop.

Native pecan nuts usually sell for about half the price of paper shells. However, because of the high quality of nuts from the managed grove, the Browns should receive 67 cents per pound instead of the usual 40 to 45.

The Perrys and Browns have demonstrated that pecan growing does not require vast acreages to be profitable as a vocation or hobby.

English Walnuts

English walnuts received their name because they were brought to this country on English ships. They probably originated in Persia, hence their alternate name, Persian walnuts. California accounts for more than 97% of the domestic commercial acreage, and for more than 55% of all English walnuts grown in the world.