When the air cools and pecan shells start to crack, Texas’s state tree turns its branches into harvest baskets. From backyard trees to Hill Country orchards, pecan season signals the shift from summer heat to pie-baking weather.
The exact timing depends on the year’s rainfall, regional temperatures, and which varieties each farm grows. But whether you’re scouting roadside stands or dreaming of homemade pecan pie, knowing when the harvest happens can help you catch Texas pecans at their flavorful peak.
🌳 Texas Pecan Season at a Glance
| Region | Typical Harvest Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| South Texas | Late September – November | Earliest harvest; improved varieties ripen quickly |
| Central / Hill Country | October – December | Peak season around Thanksgiving |
| North Texas / DFW | November – January | Later harvest; natives often drop into winter |
| East Texas | October – December | Steady mid-season crop with higher rainfall |
Across most of the state, “new-crop” pecans start showing up at farmstands and markets around Halloween, filling baskets through the winter holidays.
🌾 Early vs. Late Varieties
Texas growers manage hundreds of named varieties, but they fall into two main types:
- Improved cultivars — such as Pawnee, Desirable, and Kiowa — bred for larger, thinner shells and earlier harvests.
- Native trees — wilder and more drought-tolerant, producing smaller nuts with rich, distinctive flavor that ripen later in the year.
Weather matters, too. A mild fall may bring early drops, while a cold front can slow ripening. Many orchards post weekly updates once harvest begins—worth checking before you plan a visit.
🛒 Where to Find Fresh Texas Pecans
- Farmers markets and co-ops: look for “new crop” or “fresh crop” on signs.
- Roadside stands: appear throughout November and December, especially along rural highways.
- Local fundraisers: churches and FFA chapters often sell pecans from nearby growers.
- Festivals: towns like San Saba, Goldthwaite, and Seguin celebrate pecan season every fall.
👉 How to Tell If Your Pecans Are Fresh (or Rancid) — plus simple ways to know when they’ve gone stale or oily.
🥧 How Long Fresh Pecans Last
- Unshelled pecans can keep up to a year in a cool, dry place.
- Shelled pecans store best in airtight containers—refrigerated for a few months or frozen for longer.
- Always check the scent: truly fresh pecans smell buttery and sweet, never bitter or oily.
For homegrown nuts, see How to Harvest, Dry & Store Pecans in Texas.
🌳 Plan a Fall Visit
Fall is the perfect time to walk a pecan orchard, sample roasted nuts, or learn how these trees anchor Texas agriculture. Whether you’re exploring a family-run grove or stopping by a weekend market, fresh pecans offer a taste of local harvest season at its best.
To understand what makes Texas pecans stand out, see Why Texas Pecans Taste Different (and Better).
👉 Explore more stories in our Pecans & Tree Nuts collection.
❓ FAQs: Pecan Season in Texas
When do pecans begin to drop in Texas?
It varies by region and variety, but most growers report harvest beginning in late September in South Texas and running through December or January in North Texas.
How can I tell if pecans are truly “fresh crop”?
Look for wording like “new crop” or “fresh crop” on signage. Kernels should appear light golden, not dark, and smell sweet—not oily or sharp.
How long can I store fresh pecans?
Unshelled pecans keep up to a year in cool, dry storage. Shelled pecans last several months refrigerated or can be frozen for longer freshness.
Does the variety of pecan affect harvest time?
Yes. Improved cultivars like Pawnee and Desirable mature early, while native trees often ripen several weeks later.
What can shift the harvest window?
Rainfall, drought, temperature swings, and overall tree health can all influence when husks split and nuts fall.
📚 Also Read
- How to Tell If Your Pecans Are Fresh (or Rancid)
- Why Texas Pecans Taste Different (and Better)
- How to Harvest, Dry & Store Pecans in Texas
- Found a Pecan Tree in Your Yard? Here's What to Do Next
📚 References
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (2020). The Nuts and Bolts of Pecans.
- Texas Highways (2020). In Praise of Pecans, Texas’ Favorite Nut.
- Gardening Know How (2023). When to Harvest Pecans.
