How to Plant a Black Walnut Tree from a Nut

Black walnut trees are known for their beautiful foliage, attractive wood, and nutritious nuts. If you want to grow your own black walnut tree, you can start by planting a nut. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Collect the nuts

In the fall, black walnut trees drop their nuts to the ground. You can collect these nuts from around the tree. Choose the largest and healthiest nuts with the firmest shells. Avoid any nuts that are damaged, diseased or mouldy.

Step 2: Prepare the nuts

Once you have collected the nuts, you need to prepare them for planting. Fill a bucket with water and put the nuts in the bucket. Let them soak for 24 hours. After 24 hours, remove any nuts that float on top of the water. These are likely to be empty or have an insect inside. Transfer the remaining nuts to a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to plant them.

Step 3: Choose the planting location

Black walnut trees are large and need plenty of room to grow. Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sunlight. Keep in mind that black walnut trees are allelopathic, which means they can release chemicals that affect plants growing nearby. Ensure that the planting location is far enough away from other plants.

Step 4: Plant the nuts

In the spring, when the soil has warmed up to at least 15°C, you can plant the black walnut nuts. You can either plant them directly in the ground or start them in pots. If you choose to plant them in pots, fill the pots with a well-draining soil mix. Plant one nut in each pot, about two inches deep. If you are planting the nuts directly in the ground, choose a spot that has been prepared with soil amendments. Plant the nut about two inches deep and cover it with soil. Water the area thoroughly.

Step 5: Care for the tree

Once the tree starts to grow, you need to care for it properly. Water it regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the tree in the winter to shape it and remove any damaged branches.

Step 6: Harvest the nuts

Black walnut trees take about 10 to 15 years to produce nuts. The nuts are ready to harvest in the fall. When they begin to fall to the ground, you can collect them. Remove the hulls and let the nuts dry in a warm, dry area for a few weeks. You can then crack the shells and enjoy the tasty kernels inside.

Planting a black walnut tree from a nut is a rewarding way to grow a beautiful tree that produces delicious nuts. Follow these steps, and you will be on your way to planting a healthy and thriving black walnut tree.