Black Walnut Seed

100 walnuts per unit

Black walnut seed has been treated to enhance germination. Most of the seed will germinate during the first growing season. A few may remain dormant until the following spring.

For best results plant immediately, but if you keep them moist and stored at 33 to 35° F, they can be held for several weeks. Plant them 2 inches deep with three seeds in each hole.

Firm soil around the seeds, and water. Mark the spot with a stake or flag to aid in locating the plants later. If all seeds grow, select the best plant and pull the others out.

Black walnut is a taproot species. It is best to plant the nuts in their permanent locations. If it becomes necessary to transplant the seedlings, do so second growing season.

Squirrels have an uncanny way of finding planted walnut seeds. One way to protect the seed is to plant them in a tin can as shown and outlined below:

1. Remove the bottom completely from a no. 2 can.
2. Cut an "X" in the other end of the can.
3. Pour 1 inch of topsoil in can.
4. Place 2 nuts in can.
5. Fill can with topsoil and firm lightly.
6. Dig hole deep enough for upright can.
7. Place can in hole with "X" end up and backfill around the can.
8. Carefully bend tips of "X" to make a 1-inch opening. The pointed tips will discourage animals from digging the nuts.

More information can be found on this information sheet (PDF).