Black Walnut

Juglans nigra

I sell black walnut seedlings grown from carefully orchard variety parents. These seeds come from productive trees with desirable traits, including improved nut quality and shells that are generally easier to crack than typical wild-type black walnuts. Black walnuts are one of the most valuable native nut trees in North America, prized for their rich, distinctive flavor, high nutritional value, and long-term productivity. 

Black walnuts take patience, but they reward it. Once established, these trees can produce abundant crops for generations.

Bare-Root Planting:
When you receive your tree, it will be bare root (no soil around the roots). The tree will be dormant for winter shipping, which allows it to be dug and transplanted with very little stress. The most important thing is keeping the roots moist. Your tree will arrive in a pot with moist woodchips or wrapped in moist paper towels inside a bag. It can remain this way for a short period if needed, but I strongly recommend planting it in the ground as soon as possible after purchase.

Note: You will need two trees near(ish) one another to ensure pollination. In many areas (like Lancaster County), wild Black Walnut trees are abundant and would perfectly pollinate your tree should you decide to plant just one.

Size / Spacing:
Black walnut trees are large, long-lived trees. At maturity, they can reach 50–75 feet tall with a broad canopy. Space trees 40–60 feet apart to allow full development and good nut production. They can be planted closer, but the trees will produce best at that recomended distance. They are best suited for orchards, windbreaks, or as a long-term canopy trees.

Site Preference:
Black walnuts prefer full sun and deep, well-drained soil with good organic matter. They grow best in fertile bottomlands but are adaptable to many soil types once established. They produce juglone, a natural compound that can inhibit the growth of some nearby plants, so be mindful of companion plantings. Elderberry and Paw paw, for example, seem not to be bothered by the jugalone. But I wouldn't plant this near my tomato bed.

Hardiness:
Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.