I have property in Colorado near Walsenburg. I am interested in a pecan tree variety that will grow there, if there are any. We understand that certain varieties of pecans will grow as far north as Canada. Any suggestions?

Unfortunately, there is virtually no information about growing pecan (Carya illinoensis) in Colorado. I searched numerous wholesale nurseries in Colorado and did not find pecan of any kind. While most pecans are hardy to zone 5, they do have certain cultural conditions that are difficult to meet in Colorado's climate. They require a deep, rich, moisture retentive soil and they need a very long, warm growing season in order for the pecans to mature. Walsenburg at 6200 feet in elevation would not have a long enough warm season for this to occur. The possibility of late spring freezes would also prevent nut production. There also has to be two or more trees in proximity to each other for cross-pollination to occur thereby producing larger, sweeter nuts. That is not to say that pecan cannot be grown in Colorado. As stated, they are hardy enough and with good irrigation and soils, they can grow but at a much reduced rate than they would farther south. The State Champion Pecan grows in Greeley, but I do not believe it produces edible nuts. Even so, pecan is rarely planted in Colorado. If you want to pursue this further, I would contact Wes Rice with the Northern Nut Producers Association at wrice@poncacity.net.**

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