Mahan Pecan Tree

Origin: US

Description:The Mahan pecan tree stands as a cornerstone variety in the pecan industry, known for its exceptional qualities and commercial value. It is famous for producing large, high-quality nuts, starting to produce very early and consistently delivering good yields. Like the Wichita variety, the Mahan pecan tree has male flowers that release pollen before its female flowers are ready to receive it. This means it needs to be paired with another type of pecan tree that has female flowers ready at the same time as its male flowers to produce a good amount of nuts.

Fruit: Mahan pecans are easily recognizable by their large size and classic oblong shape. The shells exhibit a light brown coloration and enclose plump, flavorful kernels with a desirable oil content that contributes to their richness and satisfying texture. These nuts are not only delectable but also serve as a good source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

Harvest: Mahan pecans generally reach maturity and are ready for harvest in early to mid-October. The nuts themselves are celebrated for their impressive size, featuring thin shells that are easy to crack and a high kernel percentage of around 60%. Their flavor profile is rich, buttery, and highly sought after, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, from snacking and baking to gourmet cooking and confectionery.

Pollination: As a Type 1 protandrous variety, the Mahan pecan tree depends on cross-pollination with a suitable Type 2 variety to achieve optimal nut production. Planting the pollinator varieties near Mahan pecan trees ensures a sufficient overlap in pollen availability and female flower receptivity, maximizing the chances of successful fertilization and nut development.

Spacing: Mahan pecan trees are characterized by their vigorous growth and substantial size, reaching heights of 18-24 meters and spreading 12-15 meters wide. To give them enough room for their full-grown branches and roots, and to make sure they get enough air and sunlight, it's best to plant them about 12-15 meters apart from each other.

Good to know: Mahan pecan trees demonstrate good resistance to several common pecan diseases, including pecan scab, which can significantly impact nut quality and yield in susceptible varieties. This inherent disease resistance reduces the need for extensive chemical interventions, aligning with sustainable and environmentally conscious orchard management practices. Furthermore, Mahan trees exhibit good cold hardiness, allowing them to thrive in various climatic conditions. The combination of early nut production, consistent high yields, large nut size, exceptional flavor, disease resistance, and adaptability has established Mahan as a top-tier variety for both commercial pecan production and home orchard cultivation.