Choctaw Pecan Tree

Origin: US

Description:The Choctaw pecan tree is a popular choice for its excellent nut quality, reliable yields, and ability to thrive in various climates. It produces large, with a thin shell (easy to crack), which are important selling points in the market. They also have a high kernel yield, meaning you get more nutmeat relative to the shell. For this reason, shelled Choctaw pecans generate more profit when they are sold. Choctaw pecan trees can adapt to a wide range of soil types and climatic conditions.

Fruit: Choctaw pecans are easily recognizable by their attractive oblong shape and smooth, light brown shells. The kernels are notably plump and have a high oil content, contributing to their richness and desirable texture.

Harvest: Choctaw pecans typically reach maturity and are ready for harvest around mid-October, aligning with the broader pecan harvest season. The nuts themselves are celebrated for their impressive size, often ranking among the larger pecan varieties. They are further distinguished by their thin shells, which are notably easy to crack, revealing a high kernel percentage that generally ranges from 58% to 62%. This high kernel percentage translates to a greater proportion of edible nut meat, making them highly desirable for both consumers and processors. In terms of flavor, Choctaw pecans boast a rich, buttery taste with a subtle hint of sweetness, making them a delightful choice for snacking, baking, and incorporating into various culinary creations. Their exceptional taste and texture have solidified their position as a premium pecan variety.

Pollination: The Choctaw pecan tree depends on cross-pollination with a suitable Type 2 variety to achieve successful nut production. Planting these varieties strategically within close proximity to Choctaw ensures a sufficient overlap in pollen availability and female flower receptivity, significantly enhancing the chances of successful fertilization, fruit set, and ultimately, a great nut harvest.

Spacing: Choctaw pecan trees grow to be quite tall and wide, typically reaching heights of about 18-24 meters and spreading about 12-15 meters wide when fully mature. However, usually they are pruned to control their size in commercial pecan orchards. Because of their significant size and expansive canopy, it's important to space them properly to ensure good amount of sunlight reaches each tree. A recommended spacing of about 8 meters between trees will allow each one enough room and access to resources, helping to avoid excessive competition for light, water, and nutrients.

Good to know: Choctaw pecan trees exhibit commendable resistance to pecan scab, a prevalent fungal disease that can significantly impact nut quality and yield in susceptible varieties. This inherent disease resistance reduces the need for extensive chemical interventions and spraying, aligning with sustainable and environmentally conscious orchard management practices. Additionally, Choctaw trees demonstrate good cold hardiness, allowing them to thrive in various climatic conditions and expanding their geographic suitability for cultivation. The combination of consistent production, high-quality nuts, disease resistance, cold hardiness, and adaptability has firmly established Choctaw as a preferred variety for both commercial pecan production and home orchard cultivation.