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

Sow and Plant

Prepare a large hole by breaking up the soil and adding plenty of well-rotted organic matter. A wide hole is better than a very deep one. Mulch after planting, and encircle the trunk with a wire cage or protective pipe to protect the young tree from animal and insect pests.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised 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.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Walnut