Pecans represent a significant agricultural crop, especially across the southern United States. Successful harvest depends on pinpointing the moment the nuts naturally detach from the tree. Determining the precise time for the nut drop requires balancing calendar timing, tree biology, and environmental cues. Since the kernel quality and flavor peak just as they fall, timing is foundational to the entire pecan production process.
The Standard Pecan Drop Timeline
Pecan drop generally occurs in the fall. The typical harvest window across major growing regions, like Georgia, Texas, and New Mexico, spans from late September through early December.
The first nuts to fall usually belong to early-season varieties, such as ‘Desirable.’ Late-season varieties, like ‘Stuart’ types, can continue dropping well into winter. The peak harvest often follows the first hard frost, which accelerates nut maturity and release.
Because the full drop can take several weeks, multiple passes for collection are necessary. A key indicator that the nuts are ready is when the outer husk changes from vibrant green to a dry, brown, or blackish-brown color. This visible change signals that kernel filling is complete and the tree is preparing to shed the fruit.
The Biological Process of Nut Drop
Before the nut drops, it is encased in a protective outer layer called the shuck. Kernel development, known as Phase II, involves filling the hardened shell with the rich, oily tissue of the nut.
Maturity is signaled by shuck splitting, or dehiscence, where the shuck naturally dries and cracks open along four sutures. The shuck’s purpose is complete once the kernel is fully developed, and its splitting allows the nut to dry.
The final detachment is facilitated by the formation of an abscission layer at the base of the shuck. This layer naturally breaks the vascular connection between the tree and the fruit. The nut must remain on the tree until this process is complete; harvesting before shuck split results in poorly filled nuts with an immature, bitter flavor.
Environmental and Cultivar Factors Affecting Timing
Regional climate is a major factor, as pecans require long, hot summers to mature and fill the kernel. Warmer climates and lower latitudes often see an earlier start to the harvest compared to cooler, northern pecan-producing areas.
The amount of moisture available during the growing season affects the timing and quality of the drop. Drought conditions can cause the tree to prematurely abort underdeveloped nuts, leading to early, poor-quality drops. Conversely, excessive rain or humidity close to harvest can delay the natural drying and splitting of the shucks.
The specific cultivar planted is another major determinant of the harvest schedule. For example, a variety bred for early maturity will complete its growth cycle and drop weeks before a late-maturing type, even when grown in the same orchard. Growers select specific cultivars to manage their harvest flow.
Handling Pecans After They Fall
Prompt collection is important to protect kernel quality. Nuts left on the ground are susceptible to spoilage from moisture, mold, and pests like the pecan weevil. Gathering them daily, especially in wet conditions, minimizes deterioration.
Moisture content must be reduced through a process called “curing” or drying. This step prevents mold growth and allows the kernel’s flavor to fully develop. Pecans are typically spread in a single, shallow layer in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for approximately two weeks.
A simple test for dryness is to shell a few nuts and bend the kernels; a properly cured kernel will snap cleanly, while a damp one will feel rubbery. After curing, pecans should be stored in airtight containers under refrigeration or frozen to prevent the oils from turning rancid.