Pecan - Ultra Northern Pecan Seedling - Bareroot

'Mid' ultra-northern ripens earlier in the fall (approx mid-late Oct) with smaller nuts than 'Late'. While pecans are native to the Mississippi valley in the southern US, this ultra-hardy pecan has been developed by pecan enthusiasts John Gordon and Gary Fernald, among others. Pecans require hot days and warm nights in order to ripen, so these intrepid nut tree breeders sought out pecans at the very northern tip of their range, and selected for the earliest-ripening "ultra-northern" pecans. These nuts will be smaller than southern cultivars, and you'll need to be patient: pecan seedlings will begin bearing somewhere between 5 and 15 years.

Planting: pecans want rich, moist, fertile, soil (think valley bottom). A great choice for the edge of marshes or riparian zones, as long as the soil is still well-drained. Plan in full sun for best production.

Why seedlings? Growing seedlings from productive, vigorous parents helps maintain diversity (each seed is a new variety) while drawing on some of the best genetics available. In other words, by planting seedlings, you are participating in the breeding and selection of new, regionally-adapted varieties.

Why bare root? "Bare root" means that the tree has been grown in the ground (rather than in a pot). In general, bare root trees tend to have larger root systems because their roots aren't constricted by the edges of the pot. Because we don't need to use pots or potting soil, we can sell them more cheaply than potted trees. Bareroot trees must be planted when they are still dormant (Nov - Mar in our region).