Carya Illinoinensis = Pecan Seedlings

Carya illinoinensis Seedlings: Native Nut Trees Grown From Seeds

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a native nut tree of the south-central United States. Grown from seed, it turns into a big, long-lived tree that drops sweet nuts in the fall, though the nuts vary from tree to tree and are typically smaller than those from grafted varieties.

Pecan Seedlings for Sale for Wildlife and Conservation Plantings

This native hardwood contributes to healthy and functional landscapes by providing food and habitat for birds and other wildlife. Its large canopy gives it good sheltering properties, making it suitable for naturalized and conservation planting. Deer, turkeys, and squirrels all go after the nuts. If you are looking at pecan seedlings for sale for a food plot or a river-bottom planting, the 50, 100, and 500 packs keep the cost per tree low.

Carya illinoinensis Seedlings for Long-Term Plantings and Rootstock

When planted as seeds or bare-rooted, pecans grow a deep, uninterrupted taproot system that is perfect for river-bottom reforestation. Mature trees also make good shade trees. They also work best for long-term plantings, as seed-grown pecans can take 10 years or more before they bear. Commercial orchards also rely on pecan seedlings as hardy rootstock before grafting a named cultivar onto them after about 2 years of growth.

Planting Your Pecan Seedlings

This plant ships bare root. We offer pecan seedlings for sale, 6 to 12 and 12 to 18 inches tall, in packs of 50, 100, and 500. Their ideal zones are 6 to 9, and they like deep, well-drained ground paired with full sun. Before planting, prepare a 3-foot circle and clear weeds and sod around it. If you plan on thinning them later on, you can plant them 15 to 20 feet apart. However, the ideal distance for an orchard is 35 to 60 feet.

Remember to dig deep and try not to bend the seedling’s long taproot while planting. If you notice very slow growth in the first year, that’s because they are putting roots down, and the tops will take off after that. Water them every week through the first growing season.

Planting & Growing Information

Ships: Ships Between November 15-29
Planting Zone: 6-9
Height at Maturity: 70-100 Feet
Water Needs: Moderate
Sun or Shade: Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours daily 
Bloom Season: Spring
Care: Pecan Seedlings thrive in well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering, especially during dry periods. Keep grass cleared around seedlings and water weekly if rain is scarce. 
Exposure: Pecan seedlings thrive in full sun, needing 6 to 8 hours of sun daily. Optimal growth and nut production occur when the tree receives consistent sunlight throughout the growing season, promoting strong, healthy development.
Plant Attributes: Native nut tree, rootstock for grafting, wildlife food source

For more tips on planting, growing, and caring for pecan seedlings, explore our Pecan tree guide. You can also browse our collection of tree seedlings to discover more varieties for orchards, wildlife habitats, and larger planting projects.