The walnut, with a scientific name The royal juggleris a large fruit tree that is highly appreciated not only for its large size, aesthetically highly appreciated, but also for its valuable fruits, walnuts, one of the most successful nuts in the world thanks to its extraordinary properties. nutritional.
If you want to enjoy the shade of a walnut tree and your own walnuts, join us in this Green Ecology article, where we show you how to plant a walnut tree.
When to plant a walnut tree
The best time to plant a walnut tree is always in autumnbut it is vital that the nuts have passed a period of cold to germinate properly. If you have been able to keep them outside during the winter, it will be enough, but if this is not the case or you do not know if your nuts have been exposed to the cold, it will be enough to store them for 3 months in the fridge, always inside an airtight bag to avoid problems with fungus or humidity.
Of course, do not try to plant walnuts bought in the supermarket or in any other place where they are sold as a food product, as these nuts will not grow. Go to a nursery to get them or pick them directly from the tree if you have the opportunity.
In this article we teach you how to germinate a walnut.
Where to plant a walnut tree
After that necessary cooling period, you have the option of planting a potted walnut tree or planting a walnut tree in the ground. It is a tree that develops very deep roots and does not tolerate transplanting wellso it’s very common to plant the nuts directly in their final location, if you can keep them safe from birds, squirrels, or other threats.
If you still choose to germinate the walnut in more controlled circumstances, you can do so in one of the many types of containers and pots that exist that will allow you to plant them completely in the ground when the time comes, without thus having to subject the plant. to the stress of a transplant.
Regarding the location, it is very important to choose it carefully, because the leaves and roots of the tree are poisonous to other plants, this being one of the several trees that use this strategy to avoid having to compete for soil nutrients or light. Plant the walnut tree where you don’t want grass or other plants, and don’t use its leaves for compost or compost of any kind.
For the rest, find one. location in full sun and, if possible, with a nutrient-rich, well-drained soil, but at the same time it is not too sandy. Before planting anything, you must prepare the soil, stirring it thoroughly several days in advance, also watering it to provide moisture to the soil.
How to plant a walnut tree from a walnut
Once you have cooled your walnut, plant it in the prepared soil and at the right time for about 7 cm underground. You can make this first planting in mature compost, mixed with peat and a little sand. If you are going to plant more than one walnut tree, keep at least 20 feet of separation between them.
You can plant the walnut closed or open, looking the sharp part always up. If you open it, the plant will germinate more easily, but at the same time, you run the risk of damaging it and it will be less protected, so the decision is in your hands. In any case, these can take between 4 months and a year to fertilize, so you should not be in a hurry.
water abundantly after planting and maintain adequate levels of humidity, always without flooding, in the area of the walnut. If you have planted from a seedling or are transplanting, it is vital to be extremely careful with the delicate roots of the tree and not to clump the soil.
You may also be interested in reading this article on the cultivation and care of the walnut tree.
How to plant a walnut tree from one branch
Walnut cuttings are also planted in autumn, with the temperature around 20 ºC. Take your branch or cutting, well washed and slightly damp, and store it in a dry space, rolled up in absorbent paper in an airtight bag. In about 3 months you should be able to see very small roots or buds on the cutting, which will then be ready to plant.
make a hole in the ground into which half of the cutting enters, again being very careful not to damage the tender roots, adding later the necessary soil to give it stability without weighing it down or damaging it. Keep the soil moist regularly until the cutting gains strength.
You may be interested in knowing how to root cuttings.
How long does the walnut tree take to bear fruit?
The walnut is a slow-growing tree, from which comes the saying in Spain that the grandfather plants it so that the grandson can harvest it. A walnut tree can take up to 30 years to reach its maximum production, although with between 5 and 7 years can start to give some nutswhile others may delay their first fruiting until beyond the first decade.
Now that you know how to plant a walnut tree, you may also be interested in reading this DIYGardens article on How to plant a lemon tree.
