How to Grow Walnut Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Walnut tree is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 m tall.It has a wide, spreading canopy and deeply furrowed, dark brown bark. The leaves are alternately arranged, compound, and have toothed margins. The flowers are borne in catkins, and the fruit is a nut enclosed in a green, leathery husk. Walnut trees are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

How to Grow Walnut Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Black Walnut
  • White Walnut
  • American Walnut
  • European Walnut
  • Japanese Walnut

Things to Know

  • The walnut tree is a deciduous tree that is native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
  • The walnut tree can grow up to 30 meters tall.
  • The walnut tree has large, dark green leaves.
  • The walnut tree produces a nut that is enclosed in a hard shell.
  • The nut of the walnut tree is edible and is often used in baking.
  • The wood of the walnut tree is hard and durable.
  • The walnut tree is harvested for its wood and nuts.
  • The walnut tree is susceptible to pests and diseases.
  • The walnut tree is an important food source for wildlife.
  • The walnut tree is an important source of income for many farmers.

Related plant:
English Walnut

How to Grow

  1. For walnut tree, first step is to identify a good site that has well-drained soil and gets full sun.
  2. Then, prepare the planting hole by digging it twice as wide and deep as the tree’s root ball.
  3. After that, remove the tree from its container and loosen any tangled or matted roots.
  4. Set the tree in the planting hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  5. Next, backfill the planting hole with the removed soil, tamping it down as you go.
  6. Once the hole is filled, water the tree deeply to help settle the roots.
  7. Finally, apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the tree’s base, keeping it several inches away from the trunk.

Related plant:
Black Walnut Tree

The Soil

About soil condition, a walnut tree needs deep, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. If the soil is too alkaline, the tree may suffer from chlorosis, which is when the leaves turn yellow because the tree can't take up enough iron.

About light

Like the other trees, walnut trees need sunlight to grow. They can grow in partial shade, but they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce a good crop of nuts. If you have a walnut tree that is not getting enough sun, you may need to prune it to open up the canopy and let more light in.

The Temperature

The temperature condition necessary for germination and growth of the walnut tree is quite specific. Thetree requires a relatively cool climate during the winter months in order to break dormancy and begin new growth in the spring. If the winter temperatures are too warm, the tree will not produce the necessary growth hormone needed for new cell production. Conversely, if the winter temperatures are too cold, the tree will not produce the necessary enzymes needed for germination. The ideal temperature range for the walnut tree is between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60% to 70%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant food is important to a walnut tree's growth. Applying fertilizer to the roots of a walnut tree encourages growth and helps the tree to reach its full potential. This is due to the nutrients in the fertilizer seeping into the roots and being absorbed by the tree. Fertilizer helps the tree to grow strong and healthy, and also encourages fruit production.

Light requirement

Pruning walnut trees is a very important part of their care. Walnut trees need to be pruned in order to keep them healthy and encourage new growth. When pruning walnut trees, it is important to remove any dead or dying branches. It is also important to thin out the tree so that sunlight can reach the inner branches.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of walnut trees is best accomplished by grafting or rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the desired tree. The best time to take cuttings is in late winter before new growth begins. Walnut trees can also be grown from seed, but this is a slower process and the resulting trees are often not true to the parent tree.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies report an average annual increase in diameter of 10 to 20 millimeters (mm). However, the range observed in individual trees is large, with some trees growing as little as 2 mm annually and others as much as 60 mm. In a study of black walnut trees in Ohio, the average annual diameter growth rate for all trees was 12 mm, with the fastest growers adding 34 mm per year and the slowest losing 2 mm annually.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, caterpillars, and mites. These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and curl up. If the infestation is bad enough, it can kill the tree. To prevent these pests from attacking your tree, make sure to keep the area around the tree clean and free of debris.

List to Know

  • Remember to water your walnut tree regularly. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
  • Fertilize your walnut tree every few months to ensure it has the nutrients it needs to grow.
  • Prune your walnut tree regularly to encourage new growth and keep it looking its best.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases that could affect your walnut tree. If you spot anything, treat it right away.
  • Place your walnut tree in an area with plenty of sunlight. It should get at least six hours of sun per day.
  • Make sure the soil around your walnut tree is well-draining. Amending it with some compost or sand can help with this.
  • When it’s time to harvest your walnuts, be careful not to damage the tree. Using a ladder or shaking the branches can cause the tree to break.

Similar Plants

  • American Walnut (Juglans cinerea)
  • Australian Walnut (Endiandra palmerstonii)
  • Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
  • Brown Walnut (Juglans regia)
  • Butter Walnut (Juglans cinerea)
  • Carpathian Walnut (Juglans regia)
  • Claro Walnut (Juglans hindsii)
  • Domestic Walnut (Juglans regia)
  • English Walnut (Juglans regia)
  • French Walnut (Juglans regia)

Source:
Black Walnut | Department of Horticulture - University of Kentucky
Germination of Walnuts | Horticulture and Home Pest News
Managing black walnut forests | UMN Extension

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category