Hortiforum

General Info – Walnut, Persian Walnut, Common Walnut, English Walnut

An abundant producer of nuts well-suited for cool temperate climates, the Walnut has been extensively cultivated across Eurasia and is commonly used in many Eurasian cuisines.
Walnuts can begin fruiting within 4-6 years, though initially producing significantly smaller crops compared to the vast amounts yielded by mature trees. The deshelled nuts have a characteristic shriveled and mangled appearance and a mild, nutty taste. Walnuts ripen in Autumn and are used in a variety of dishes, from walnut pie to walnut soup, as well as in savoury stuffings or as a garnish. Available varieties include the Placentia, which produces thin-shelled nuts and thrives in subtropical climates, the Tulare is ideal for areas with late frosts and is a self-fertile producer of large nuts while the Howard maintains a more compact form while producing high-quality Walnuts.
Walnut trees develop a majestic, spreading appearance that can dominate a landscape in their imposing, mature form, serving as both magnificent shade and specimen trees up to 30 metres tall. The fissured, silvery grey bark of mature trees contrasts with the aromatic, odd-pinnate leaves, which are alternately arranged, creating an attractive sight, further beautified by their autumn colours.
The Persian walnut has a vast native range, stretching across Eurasia from Scotland to Turkey and China. Cold winters and long summers provide the most ideal conditions, although given the large geographical spread and the range of cultivars available, walnut trees can adapt to many different climates. They thrive in deep, loamy soils that are both well-draining and moist. Established trees develop deep taproots, which make them difficult to remove but offer the benefit of notable drought and wind tolerance. Although Walnuts can be self-pollinating they will set fruit considerably better and more reliably with cross pollination.
With their dominating form and bountiful harvests, a Walnut tree is a long-term investment that rewards amply.

Plant Profile/Properties