How to Plant Black Walnut Trees From a Seed

Overview

The black walnut is a deciduous tree found growing in woodlands and fields. Used to make black and brown dyes, the black walnut is also used to make tea. The black walnut tree can grow up to a magnificent 150 feet tall and 8 feet in diameter with stout light brown twigs and branches. The leaves are bright green. Black walnuts grow best in full sun and prefer moist soil.

Step 1

Plant the walnut seed in the fall. Black walnuts must endure a cold period in order to germinate.

Step 2

Buy high-grade soil for planting the seeds of the black walnut tree. Take a soil sample to make sure the pH is between 6.0 to 6.5, the ideal pH for the black walnut tree.

Step 3

Remove and clear out all vegetation before planting the seeds. Use a shovel and rake to remove weeds and smooth out the soil's surface.

Step 4

Loosen the soil with a garden spade. Dig a hole 2 to 3 inches below the surface. Place the black walnut seed in the hole and cover with remaining soil.

Step 5

Press lightly on the soil to ensure the seed is secured into the ground. Lay 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the hole to help retain moisture and prevent weeds from shooting up. Water thoroughly to ensure the seed successfully sprouts.

Step 6

Install a circular protective cover made from chicken wire to prevent small rodents like squirrels from digging up the nuts. Wrap the chicken wire into a circular tube shape and secure with wire ties on the top, middle, and bottom sections. Alternatively, you can use a tin can with both ends open to cover the hole. Remove the ends of the tin can and sand down all rough edges and place over the buried seed spot.