How to Plant Walnuts from Trees

Planting walnuts from trees is an excellent way to propagate new trees that will produce nuts. Walnuts are a type of deciduous tree that grows in areas with mild winter temperatures and adequate rainfall. Therefore, choose a location that receives full sunlight with fertile, well-drained soil. Here is how to plant walnuts from trees successfully.

Step 1: Prepare the Soil

The soil should be loose, deep, and well-drained with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This improves soil fertility, drainage and loosens the soil. In addition, it will improve the soil structure, making it easier for the young trees to put down roots.

Step 2: Collect the Walnuts

The best time to collect walnuts from trees is in the early autumn after they fall from the tree naturally. Pick up the nuts from the ground, leaving any damaged or rotten ones behind. Remove the nuts from their husk and wash them thoroughly, making a shallow cut into the walnut with a sharp knife to break the outer shell. This procedure encourages faster germination.

Step 3: Germination

Walnuts require a period of cold stratification or exposure to cold temperatures for successful germination, and it is best to place them in the refrigerator for three to four months. Place the walnuts in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel, seal the bag, and place it in the vegetable drawer of the fridge. Check the paper towel occasionally to ensure that it remains moist. Once the germination process starts, the two halves of the shell separate, and the sprout emerges. Remove the sprouted nuts from the refrigerator and plant them in pots or directly in the garden bed.

Step 4: Planting Walnuts

Plant the nuts in pots with good quality potting mix, leaving enough space for the developing roots. Water the pots regularly but avoid overwatering. When the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them into the prepared site. Plant the young trees one inch below the soil and water them thoroughly. Maintain adequate moisture in the soil until the seedlings are established.

Step 5: Care and Maintenance of Walnuts

Walnuts will require care and maintenance to ensure that they grow into healthy mature trees. Water them regularly, especially during the growth period, which is between late spring and early autumn. Avoid over-fertilizing young trees, as this can cause root burn. Use organic fertilizers during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Keep the area around the trees free of weeds by mulching the area around the base of the trees.

In conclusion

Planting walnuts from trees is a rewarding process that can generate a new generation of nut-bearing trees. The key is to choose the right location, prepare the soil, collect the nuts, properly germinate the walnuts, and plant them in the soil. With the right care and maintenance, your newly planted walnuts will grow into healthy and abundant mature trees that will provide delicious nuts for many years to come.