How to Grow Walnut
Nut Tree
A walnut is a magnificent, long-lived tree for a large garden, yielding rich nuts as well as deep summer shade. Juglans regia cultivars such as 'Broadview' and 'Buccaneer' are more practical than seedlings, but even these need space, patience and a sunny, sheltered position.
Planting & rootstocks
Walnuts are normally grafted named trees, often on vigorous walnut rootstocks rather than the dwarfing systems used for apples, so plan for a broad mature canopy. Plant bare-root stock during dormancy from November to March in workable soil, or container-grown trees in mild weather. Keep the graft union above ground, stake for the first few years and water deeply through dry spells. Allow at least 10 m from buildings and other large trees, more for vigorous selections.
Pollination
Many named walnuts are partly self-fertile, but nut set is usually better with another compatible Juglans regia nearby because male catkins and female flowers may not mature together. There are no standard apple-style pollination groups. 'Broadview' and 'Buccaneer' are often planted with a suitable overlapping partner; ask the RHS or a local garden centre for locally available pairings. Wind carries the pollen, so open air around the trees helps.
Care & pruning
Mulch young trees each spring and water during dry weather for their first several summers. Feed lightly only if soil is poor or growth is weak. Form a balanced framework while the tree is young, but avoid routine heavy pruning. Walnuts bleed profusely if cut in winter or spring, so make any necessary shaping or removal cuts in late summer, on a dry day. Keep grass and weeds away from the young trunk and protect it from damage.
Years to bear
Grafted walnuts may bear their first nuts after 4 to 6 years, but a meaningful harvest often takes 8 to 10 years. Seedling trees are slower and less predictable.
Harvest
Harvest from late September to October as green outer husks split and nuts fall naturally. Gather promptly from the ground, remove husks with gloves to avoid staining, and dry nuts in a single layer somewhere warm and airy. They are ready for storage when shells are dry and kernels snap cleanly rather than bend.
Common problems
Squirrels, birds and mice can take nuts before harvest, while walnut blight, anthracnose, aphids and late frost may reduce crops. Rake up fallen leaves and husks, dispose of diseased material, improve airflow with restrained late-summer pruning and maintain tree vigour through watering when young. Protect nuts with physical barriers where feasible, and use guards to prevent bark damage around the base.
Growing Walnut: frequently asked questions
How do I grow walnut in the UK?
Walnuts are normally grafted named trees, often on vigorous walnut rootstocks rather than the dwarfing systems used for apples, so plan for a broad mature canopy.
Does walnut need a pollination partner?
Many named walnuts are partly self-fertile, but nut set is usually better with another compatible Juglans regia nearby because male catkins and female flowers may not mature together.
When is walnut ready to harvest?
Harvest from late September to October as green outer husks split and nuts fall naturally.
General guidance for UK home growers. Variety and pollination needs vary; the RHS or a local garden centre can advise for your area. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.