How do I Plant Black Walnut Seeds?

Walnut seeds are the fruit of the walnut tree--the nut. Black walnuts are one in a group of different species of walnut trees and a native of eastern North America. These are giant plants that grow to 100 feet in height and 70 feet wide, says "Sunset Western Garden Book." Black walnuts propagate from seeds or seedlings. But the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service reports that, among other advantages, seed propagation lets you handpick the exact tree you'd like to reproduce if you gather your own seeds.

Weeding tool
Measuring tape
Container
Water
Shovel
Fresh cow manure
Spade

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the planting area by removing all weeds and grass. A circle of about 4 feet in diameter is ideal for each walnut seed. Since it is possible not all seeds you plant will germinate, sow several nuts 8 inches apart. Later, thin the seedlings to retain only the number of trees you wish to grow.
- 2
  Place the black walnut seeds, without their fleshy husks, in a container filled with water. Discard all that float to the top. If you gathered your own seeds, remove the husks by soaking the walnuts in water. The husk will soften, making it easy to peel it off.
- 3
  Dig holes 2 to 3 inches deep and place one seed on its side in each of the holes. Cover them with soil. Plant the seeds in early fall for them to receive the necessary amount of chilling they need to germinate.
- 4
  Irrigate the seeds thoroughly and cover the area they're in with fresh cow manure. This works as a squirrel repellent, according to the Forest Service.
- 5
  Thin the seedlings after the first growing season to retain only the trees you want. Cut the saplings' trunk below the root collar with a sharp spade. Then, dig under the roots and remove the root ball.

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