Colby (Pecan Carya)

Colby is a hardy, vigorous pecan variety producing medium to large, meaty, thin-shelled nuts with a rich flavour — one of the better home orchard pecan choices for NZ. A Northern cultivar suited to shorter growing seasons, making it more adaptable across NZ regions than some US cultivars. Notably, Colby produces nuts earlier than most other pecan varieties. Good resistance to leaf fungi. Grows to 9m×3m in 7–10 years with attractive golden yellow autumn foliage. Nuts mature May to June and fall from the tree when ripe. First crops appear 5–7 years after planting. Self-fertile but cross-pollination with Peruque significantly improves yields. Full sun, deep moist well-drained fertile soil. Available at Wairere Nursery, Greenleaf and The Plant Company.