Common Walnut Bare Root Plants - Juglans Regia

The Common Walnut, also known as the English Walnut or Persian Walnut, is a magnificent deciduous tree that combines ornamental beauty with delicious, homegrown nuts. These bare root plants offer excellent value and establish quickly when planted during the dormant season, making them an ideal choice for gardeners looking to grow their own nutritious walnuts whilst adding a stately feature to their garden.

Key Features

The Common Walnut is a long-lived tree that will reward patient gardeners for generations. At maturity, it typically reaches 15-25 metres in height with an equally impressive spreading canopy, though it can be maintained smaller with regular pruning. The tree produces attractive compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets that emit a distinctive, aromatic scent when crushed. In spring, the tree bears both male catkins and small female flowers, which develop into the familiar walnuts by autumn.

Growing Conditions

Common Walnuts thrive in deep, fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH. They require a sunny, sheltered position to produce the best crops, though they'll tolerate partial shade. These trees are hardy throughout most of the UK and can withstand winter temperatures down to -20°C once established. However, late spring frosts can damage young growth and flowers, so avoid frost pockets if possible.

The tree requires adequate space to accommodate its extensive root system and broad canopy. Position it at least 15 metres from buildings, boundaries, and other large trees. Be mindful that walnuts produce juglone, a natural chemical that can inhibit the growth of certain nearby plants.

Planting Instructions

Bare root walnut trees should be planted between November and March, when the tree is dormant and the soil is workable. Upon arrival, unwrap the roots and soak them in water for 2-4 hours before planting.

Dig a generous hole approximately twice the width of the root spread and deep enough so the previous soil mark on the stem sits level with the surrounding ground. Break up the soil at the bottom of the hole to aid drainage and root penetration. Position the tree in the centre, spreading the roots evenly, then backfill with the excavated soil mixed with well-rotted compost or manure. Firm gently as you go to eliminate air pockets, then water thoroughly.

Stake young trees with a sturdy post and tree tie to provide support during establishment, typically for the first two to three years. Apply a generous mulch of organic matter around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk itself.

Care and Maintenance

Watering: Keep newly planted trees well-watered during their first growing season, particularly during dry spells. Once established, walnuts are relatively drought-tolerant but will crop better with adequate moisture during nut development.

Feeding: Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and maintain a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost around the tree to improve soil fertility and retain moisture.

Pruning: Walnuts require minimal pruning. If necessary, prune only in late summer to early autumn when the tree is in full leaf, as pruning during dormancy can cause excessive bleeding of sap. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and maintain a clear trunk to about 2 metres for ease of access.

Protection: Young trees may require protection from rabbits and deer using tree guards or fencing.

Harvesting

Your walnut tree will typically begin producing nuts after 4-8 years, with full cropping potential reached at 10-15 years. The nuts ripen in autumn, usually September to October, when the green outer husks split and the nuts begin to fall naturally. Gather fallen nuts promptly and remove the husks whilst wearing gloves (they stain hands brown). Dry the nuts in a warm, airy location for 2-4 weeks before storing in a cool, dry place.

A mature tree can produce 30-50 kg of nuts annually under favourable conditions.

Additional Benefits

Beyond nut production, Common Walnut trees offer multiple benefits. The timber is highly prized for furniture and woodworking. The tree provides excellent shade and wildlife habitat, with the nuts attracting squirrels and birds. The attractive foliage creates wonderful autumn colour before falling, and the tree's architectural form provides year-round garden interest.

Plant your Common Walnut bare root tree this season and begin a wonderful legacy for future generations to enjoy.

For protection from pests consider Spiral Rabbit Guards or Tree Shelters.

Please see our bare root plant guides for more information. We've put together a collect of help and advice articles covering what bare root plants are, why they are a good choice, which plants are available bare root, when and where to plant.

Deciduous plants supplied bare root during the dormancy period will not have any leaves at this time; top growth will just be brown and twiggy to start with and will come into leaf in the spring. This is perfectly normal. The plants we supply are healthy will an extensive root system. Please see the final picture for an illustration of how your plants will look when they are delivered.