Description
Walnut trees are large deciduous trees that grow well and quickly. They have male and female flowers on one tree. The male flowers’ pollen settles onto the females to pollinate them and produce nuts.
Walnuts can be eaten as extremely nutritious snacks, sprinkled over salads, included in smoothies, or used in baking delicious tarts and cakes. They are particularly high in fat and also have good amounts of carbohydrates, vitamin E, copper, folic acid, protein, and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. They are good for brain and heart health and help prevent cancer.
Harvesting
Walnuts fall from the tree when they are ripe. Be sure to collect them quickly to prevent them from moulding on the ground.
Position
Your walnut tree is frost-tolerant, but flowers could get damaged with a late frost.
Plant your walnut tree in full sun or a spot with at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.
Size
These trees grow to a height of between 30 and 40 metres tall with a canopy spread of 18 metres. Make sure it has plenty of space as it will grow into a huge tree and will be difficult to transplant, even 1 or 2 years later.
Soil
Walnut trees require well-drained, fertile soil like sandy loam. Clay is not advisable.
They require slightly acidic soil, so they benefit from a bag of our Berry Mix, or half a bag of acid compost. Dig 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.
Nut trees require fertile soil for good growth. So, before you plant it, add some nutrients to your soil, like our Volcanic Rock Dust and a good quality organic compost. Water the soil thoroughly before planting, and be careful not to bend the roots when planting.
Fertiliser
In the second year after planting your tree, add a bag of organic compost to the tree base in spring, which will meet the plant’s growing nitrogen demands. Too much nitrogen makes the tree more susceptible to walnut blight.
Mulch
It is important to keep the trees free from weeds. Once established, mulch around the tree every 3 to 4 months with well-rotted organic matter or pine bark around the trunk. Remember not to let the mulch touch the trunk, which could cause rot and infection.
Watering
Never use a sprinkler and avoid splashing water onto the leaves as this will promote the development of walnut blight. Water the tree well every second week once established, as they become stressed if over-watered.
Pruning
While the tree is dormant, cut off the dry and dead branches. If any branches are crossing, then remove one. You can also remove new shoots in the middle of the tree to ensure maximum light and air penetration.
Pest and Disease Management
Watch out for aphids and caterpillars. Aphids can be sprayed with a dishwashing liquid solution or a natural organic pest spray for aphids and caterpillars. Alternatively, just squish and kill them when you see them.
We recommend Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) and organic Neem Oil to prevent and control the spread of these pests and diseases.
EM Control puts you firmly on the green path when using it in your garden. EM is certified organic, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Because EM boosts the soil, your garden will flourish without the use of any chemicals. The soil’s vitality equals the vitality of the plants and fruits they produce. EM is a biocontrol measure, controlling pests by releasing microorganisms into the soil. With EM, pests and pathogens are controlled or suppressed by means of natural processes.
Agricultural Neem Oil is a powerful oil that is kind to your garden, fighting against even the most challenging infestations. Our Neem oil is an agricultural grade and is highly effective in controlling roughly 600 different types of insects! Targeted at insects that suck and chew leaves, it doesn’t extend its damage to the rest of the plant or its surrounds. It is Biodegradable, cold pressed and 100% organic.
