How to Plant Black Walnut Trees from Seeds with Husks

Black walnut trees are a valuable addition to any landscape, providing not only beautiful shade, but also delicious nuts for snacking or cooking. While you can purchase black walnut saplings from a nursery, planting black walnut trees from seeds is a rewarding and cost-effective way to grow your own trees from scratch. In this article, we’ll go over the steps for planting black walnut trees from seeds with husks.

Step 1: Collect the Walnuts

The first step in planting black walnut trees from seeds with husks is to collect the walnuts. Black walnut trees produce nuts in the fall, usually around September or October. Look for trees with healthy, full-grown nuts that have not been damaged by pests or disease. It’s best to collect nuts directly from the ground to ensure they are mature and ready for planting.

Step 2: Remove the Husks

Once you have collected the walnuts, it’s time to remove the husks. The husks are the green, fleshy outer layer that surrounds the nut. Use gloves when removing the husks, as they can stain your hands or clothes. There are a few methods for removing the husks:

Boiling Method: Boil the walnuts in a pot of water for 10-15 minutes, then remove and let cool. The husks should be easy to remove by hand or with a knife.

Natural Drying Method: Lay the walnuts out in a sunny, well-ventilated area and let them dry for 1-2 weeks. The husks will eventually dry up and crack, making them easy to remove.

Mechanical Method: Use a vice or nutcracker to crack the husks and remove them from the nut.

Step 3: Soak the Seeds

Once the husks have been removed, soak the seeds in a container of water for 24-48 hours. This will help soften the seed coat and prepare the seeds for planting.

Step 4: Plant the Seeds

After soaking, plant the seeds immediately in a well-draining soil mix. Black walnut trees prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Choose a location with full sun exposure and plenty of space for the tree to grow. Plant the seeds about 2-3 inches deep, with the pointed end of the seed facing down. Water the seeds thoroughly after planting.

Step 5: Care for the Seedlings

Black walnut trees grow slowly, so it may take 2-3 years for the seedlings to reach a height of 1-2 feet. During this time, make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the seedlings every 6 months with a balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. It’s also important to protect the seedlings from pests and disease by removing any fallen leaves or debris around the tree.

Conclusion

Planting black walnut trees from seeds with husks is a fun and rewarding way to grow your own trees from scratch. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the beauty and delicious nuts of black walnut trees for years to come.