Walnut Growing Guide

Juglans regia

Walnut

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Position

Full sun or partial shade.

Frost tolerant

Yes, but flowers can be damaged by late frosts.

Feeding

Mulch with well-rotted organic matter in spring.

Companions

Can restrict growth in other plants nearby, because many plants (including tomatoes) are sensitive to juglone, a substance present in walnut roots, leaves and wood. Walnuts should be grown in an orchard of their own, far from the vegetable garden.

Spacing

Single Plants: 65' 7" (20.00m) each way (minimum)
Rows: 65' 7" (20.00m) with 65' 7" (20.00m) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Dig a large hole - a wide hole is better than a very deep one - and mulch after planting. You may need to use a tree guard to protect the young tree from animal and insect pests.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Healthy walnut trees will bear for many decades.

Harvesting

Knock down nuts when ripe, remove the peel and dry. If pickling, harvest while it is still possible to pierce the nuts with a skewer.

Troubleshooting

Native black walnuts are often easier to grow in the US compared to English or Persian walnuts.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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