How to Plant a Walnut Tree from Seed

Planting a walnut tree from a seed is a great way to grow your own walnut tree at home. Walnut trees are relatively easy to grow and can provide you with plenty of delicious nuts. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant a walnut tree from seed.

Step 1: Choose a Healthy Walnut

The very first step to planting a walnut tree from seed is to choose a healthy walnut. You can either buy a walnut from a grocery store or pick one up from a mature walnut tree. Make sure the nut is free of cracks and has a nice brown color. A healthy walnut will also feel heavy in your hand.

Step 2: Soak the Walnut in Water

Soak the walnut in water for 24 hours. This will help soften the outer shell and make it easier to crack open. After 24 hours, remove the walnut from the water and allow it to air dry for a day or two.

Step 3: Crack Open the Walnut

Once the walnut has dried, use a nutcracker to crack it open. Be careful not to damage the actual seed inside. Once you have cracked open the outer shell, you should see a small walnut seed inside.

Step 4: Prepare the Seed for Planting

Remove the seed from the cracked shell and prepare it for planting. Use a clean cloth to remove any excess dirt or debris from the seed. Once the seed is clean, use a knife to gently score the surface of the seed. This will help the seed to germinate easier.

Step 5: Plant the Seed

Plant the scored walnut seed in a small container filled with potting soil. The soil should be damp but not soaking wet. Place the container in a warm, sunny location and water it regularly. In about 3 to 4 weeks, you should see a small seedling begin to emerge.

Step 6: Transplant the Seedling

Once the seedling has grown to around 6 inches in height, it's time to transplant it into a larger pot. Use a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide. Fill the pot with a mixture of potting soil and compost. Make sure the soil is well-draining.

Step 7: Care for Your Walnut Tree

Now that your walnut tree is growing in a pot, it's important to care for it properly. Water the tree regularly and make sure it gets plenty of sunlight. Fertilize the tree once a month during the growing season.

Conclusion

Planting a walnut tree from seed can be a fun and rewarding experience. With a little patience and care, you can grow your very own walnut tree at home. Just remember to choose a healthy walnut, soak it in water, crack it open, score the seed, and then plant it in a small container filled with potting soil. With proper care, your walnut seedling will soon grow into a mature tree that will provide you with plenty of delicious walnuts to enjoy!