Plant family: Juglandaceae
Plant origin: China or Persia
Fruit description: Immature walnuts look like clusters of small green apples. Walnuts consist of a smooth green outer husk, a grooved woody shell about 30mm in diameter, enclosing an edible nut which is divided into 2 sections which looks like a brain! Fresh walnuts are sweet and delicious.
Flowers: The small catkin flowers occur in Spring, in hanging clusters on last year's wood.
Growing conditions: Walnuts are deciduous slow growing trees which can reach 8 metres high, and can live for a very long time. The leaves are about 25 cm long and slightly pointed. A walnut tree makes a beautiful lawn specimen and give great summer shade. They like heavy frost and they like cold weather in Winter. Plant it in well drained deep soil, in a sunny position, and give it plenty of water in the growing season. Mulch around the tree but do not let the mulch touch the trunk as it may cause it to rot. Feed the tree in Spring with complete fertiliser. Prune the tree if you wish to remove lower branches to make it easier to collect nuts, or to maintain a single trunk. Pruning should be done in Winter as the tree is dormant. Spray the tree with a copper spray late Winter and early Spring to prevent any blight spoiling the nuts.
Uses: Eat walnuts raw or cooked. They are used in desserts, cakes and salads. Walnuts are delicious with cheeses especially strong flavoured cheeses like blue cheeses or goat cheeses. Immature nuts may be pickled or candied. Try making pesto using walnuts for a change, and basil. Walnuts go well with vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and beans. They are delicious in stuffing for poultry, pork, lamb, fish or zucchini.
Walnuts have beautiful timber for cabinet making.
Medicinal uses: Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fats, essential for human development and health. They are especially good for growing children. Walnuts also contain melatonin which can aid sleep.
Pollination requirements: Self-Pollinating.
Harvest time Walnuts are ready when the green outer husk splits and the nuts fall from the tree. Store the nuts in a dry airtight container or in the refrigerator. Store the kernels in an airtight container.
Plant relatives Black and English Walnuts are related to Pecans and hickory.
Special features:
Grown by method: Seed Grown Pot size: 6 litre
Plant growing Height and Width for pots or in the ground planting: Grows 8 metres high by 6 metres wide if Planted in the Ground.
Shipping plant pot or planter bag size: 6 litre
