Carya illinoinensis Delmas - Pecan Tree

The Carya illinoinensis Delmas or Pecan tree is a medium-sized, hardy tree, but it needs long, hot summers to bear fruit. That's why it's preferable to plant it in mild climates, even though it can tolerate colder temperatures. This variety produces pecan nuts of good taste as early as September. It is best planted in spring, in neutral to slightly acidic and moist, if not wet, soil. This variety is partially self-fertile.

Native to North America, Carya illinoinensis is a large tree whose typical species can reach heights of 20 to 40m (66 to 131ft) and diameters of 10m (33ft) and more. It belongs to the Juglandaceae family, like the Walnut tree. Its deciduous leaves are elongated, consisting of 11 to 13 leaflets. Green in colour, they turn a beautiful golden hue in autumn. The pecan tree is hardy, tolerating cold winters down to -15°C, but it needs long, hot summers to bear fruit. Male flowers appear in late March, in the form of long yellow catkins. They are followed by the growth of young shoots and then discreet female flowers. Although both male and female flowers are borne on the same tree, their flowering periods differ.

Carya illinoinensis Delmas will grow into a medium-sized tree, 15m (49ft) tall, even up to 20m (66ft), and 10 to 15m (33 to 49ft) wide. This variety originated from a farmer in Mississippi, A.G. Delmas, who planted it in 1877. He then selected a subject from the seedlings of this tree that seemed interesting to him, and propagated it by grafting to preserve its genetic characteristics. Starting from 1902, the obtained scions were introduced to the market. This variety is not recommended in Georgia and the southeastern United States, as it is highly susceptible to scab there. However, it is very popular in Israel. 'Delmas', a Pecan tree of group B, is partially self-fertile and can therefore self-pollinate. However, cross-pollination between two trees will promote fruiting. In this case, it is recommended to plant another subject from group A (at a distance of 15 to 50m (49 to 164ft) from 'Delmas') such as the varieties 'Cape Fear', 'Cherokee', 'Cheyenne', 'Desirable', 'Pawnee', or 'Western Schley'. In 'Delmas' fruiting occurs after 4 to 5 years, it is early (starting from September) and produces good-sized nuts (smaller than Mohawk, but of better quality). The fruit of the pecan tree is a drupe, with a fleshy outer covering that is green in colour. This covering, called the husk, opens at maturity, releasing a shell containing the pecan nut. Harvesting takes place from late summer through autumn. The pecan nut, similar in taste to the walnut, has a smoother kernel. The shells can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place. Pecan nuts can be eaten on their own or used in baking.

This pecan tree is best suited for larger gardens, especially if paired with another tree for cross-pollination. It thrives in cool and well-watered conditions, so sufficient water supply is necessary, which is not always the case in hotter climates. In southern regions, it can be added to an irrigated orchard consisting of fig trees, citrus trees, jujube trees, and other species that bear fruit in warm climates.