Places in India Where Walnut Trees Grow Well
India is a very large country with a wide range of growing zones. Although most people think of India as being tropical and sub-tropical, the northern parts of India are well suited for growing walnuts. Indian walnuts are grown for personal consumption, domestic commercial purposes, and for export.
Jammu and Kashmir
The northernmost state in India, Jammu and Kashmir, is the main center for commercial walnut production in India. Most walnuts produced for export by India are produced in this state. According to the United Nations Development Programme Special Unit for South-South Cooperation (UNDP SU/SSC) 63,000 hectares of Jammu and Kashmir are under walnut cultivation. These plantings produce around 60,000 tonnes of walnuts worth an estimated 25 million Rupees.
- India is a very large country with a wide range of growing zones.
- Although most people think of India as being tropical and sub-tropical, the northern parts of India are well suited for growing walnuts.
Uttar Pradesh
Although not as commonly grown for commercial purposes, walnuts grow well in Uttar Pradesh. Walnuts grown in this state are generally of more variable quality than those grown further north. Uttar Pradesh is a state better known for its apple cultivation, and many walnuts are planted as seedlings in for personal consumption and local commercial sale. Walnuts grown in this state, and in Jammu and Kashmir, are Persian walnuts.
Himachal Pradesh
Walnuts, also Persian walnuts, are also grown in a couple districts of Himachal Pradesh. Around 50 hectares are under walnut cultivation in the Mandi district. Just over 55 hectares are also under cultivation in the Chamba district of Mimachal Pradesh. The Shimla district also reports 33 hectares under private cultivation and another 28 hectares under cultivation in the Mandi district. A walnut cultivation development station has been established at Nohra, District Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh to help develop and adapt technologies to promote walnut cultivation.
- Although not as commonly grown for commercial purposes, walnuts grow well in Uttar Pradesh.
- Just over 55 hectares are also under cultivation in the Chamba district of Mimachal Pradesh.
Care Of Walnut Trees
Plant your walnut tree in fertile, well-draining soil that receives full sun to partial shade. Water young walnut once a week from spring through late summer. Use a garden hose or a soaker hose to give your tree between 3 and 5 gallons of water each irrigation session for the tree's first year of growth. Irrigate established walnuts every two to three weeks. Water only from the drip line, or about the edge of the canopy, and beyond. Keep the trunk and lower branches dry to reduce the risk of crown and root diseases. Sprinkle the fertilizer beneath the canopy, keeping the material at least 1 1/2 feet away from the tree's trunk. Immediately give the freshly treated soil a deep drink of water. Harvest walnuts from mature trees from the late summer to early autumn. Prune your walnut tree in the winter dormant season before the leaves drop.
- Plant your walnut tree in fertile, well-draining soil that receives full sun to partial shade.
- Prune your walnut tree in the winter dormant season before the leaves drop.
Related Articles
References
- International Society for Horticultural Sciences: Present Status and Cultivation of Walnut
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Walnuts -- Calendar of Operations for Home Gardeners
- CalPoly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: English Walnut
- CalPoly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Northern California Black Walnut
- University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Fertilizing
- University of California, The California Backyard Orchard: Walnut
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Walnuts in California
- University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Watering Fruit and Nut Trees
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Although he grew up in Latin America, Mr. Ma is a writer based in Denver. He has been writing since 1987 and has written for NPR, AP, Boeing, Ford New Holland, Microsoft, RAHCO International, Umax Data Systems and other manufacturers in Taiwan. He studied creative writing at Mankato State University in Minnesota. He speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese, English and reads Spanish.
