Q&A for How to Plant a Walnut Tree

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  • Question
    How old are the trees when they start fruiting?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    Typically, walnut trees start fruiting after around 10 years, and peak at 30 years.
  • Question
    Do I have to put walnuts in the soil before I put them in a moist place?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    No, you do not have to put walnuts in the soil before you put them in a moist place. It is best to stratify them in peat moss or sand.
  • Question
    How do I determine if a walnut is ripe enough to be used for a seedling the following year?
    Community Answer
    Any nut that fell spontaneously from the tree at harvesting season is a safe bet. The outer husk is a good indicator as well, if it started deteriorating, that means it's ripe.
  • Question
    Can I save a walnut sapling if the leaves are dead?
    Community Answer
    Peel off a tiny, thin layer of bark. If the trunk is still green, your tree still has a chance.
  • Question
    My daughter found a black walnut cracked open and about 8 inches tall. She wants to preserve it to bring to school for science and be able to show how the seed cracked open. Can it be stored in water for the weekend and still be viable for planting later?
    Community Answer
    Keep it in a wet paper towel and then wrap it in a newspaper and keep it in refrigerator.
  • Question
    How do I plant walnuts in a green house?
    Community Answer
    Walnut seeds can be planted in any pots in the green house. Just keep the dirt moist.
  • Question
    Do walnut saplings need a lot of sun?
    Community Answer
    For the first 2 - 3 years, no. The shade makes the tree grow taller. After that, they need plenty of sun.
  • Question
    Can a walnut sapling be grown in a pot?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it had to be small enough, and the roots might pierce the pot. Plant in a open area.
  • Question
    How is a walnut tree pollinated?
    Community Answer
    It is a good idea to plant at least two trees to assure good fruit production. Almond must be cross pollinated by another variety. Black Walnut is self-fertile, but often the pollen is not shed when stigma is receptive. Use at least two varieties or seedlings to assure good crops.
  • Question
    Why are my English walnuts falling off the tree when they are small?
    Community Answer
    There could be several reasons: insufficient water, food or sun, or the tree has too many fruits.
  • Question
    I collected some black walnuts from the ground this summer, but I don't want to plant them until next summer. What's the best way to preserve them as viable seeds?
    Community Answer
    Clean off the husks, put them in a little damp peat moss or sand. Then keep them in the refrigerator for at least 90 days. After that, they can be planted or grown in a pot till they are big enough to transplant to your garden.
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