How to Tell if Hickory Nuts are Good for Planting

Hickory trees are known for their beautiful wood, delicious nuts, and strong, sturdy trunks. If you want to grow your own hickory tree, one of the first things you need to do is find good hickory nuts to plant. But how do you know if a hickory nut is good for planting? Here are some tips to help you get started.

Appearance

The appearance of a hickory nut is the first thing you should consider when trying to determine if it's good for planting. A healthy hickory nut should be plump and firm, with no cracks or splits in the shell. The shell should also be relatively smooth and free of any obvious blemishes. If you see any signs of damage or decay, such as wormholes or mold, the nut is probably not a good choice for planting.

Weight

Another way to tell if a hickory nut is good for planting is by its weight. A heavy nut is usually a sign that the nut is full and healthy, while a lighter nut may be empty or underdeveloped. To test the weight of a hickory nut, gently pick it up and compare it to other hickory nuts of similar size. If it feels relatively heavy in comparison, that's a good sign that it's a healthy nut.

Age

The age of a hickory nut is another factor to consider. Generally, you want to choose nuts that are ripe and mature, which usually means they have fallen from the tree naturally. Nuts that have been picked before they are fully mature will not sprout or grow as well as those that are allowed to develop fully. Look for nuts that have a golden-brown color, which is a sign that they are mature and ready for planting.

Float Test

If you're not sure whether a hickory nut is good for planting or not, you can try doing a float test. Fill a bowl with water and gently place the nut in the water. If the nut sinks to the bottom and stays there, it's likely to be a good choice for planting. If it floats to the surface, it may be empty, underdeveloped, or damaged in some way, and is probably not a good choice for planting.

Conclusion

By paying attention to the appearance, weight, age, and doing a simple float test, you can determine whether hickory nuts are good for planting. Keep in mind that not every nut will grow into a healthy tree, so it's a good idea to plant several nuts to increase your chances of success. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy the shade, beauty, and delicious nuts of your very own hickory tree.