Propagating black walnut trees - 2 options in comparison

If you can't get enough of black walnuts, you can propagate a black walnut tree. We'll tell you exactly how it works here.

A black walnut tree (Juglans nigra) not only looks sublime because of its size and shape, but also delivers rich harvests of tasty nuts after abundant growth. At the same time, it provides shade in summer and its wood can be used for beautiful decorations and furniture. So there are various reasons to plant a black walnut tree, and even to propagate it. But how does the propagation of a black walnut tree work - and what do you need for it?

Two ways to propagate the black walnut tree

There are many reasons to propagate a black walnut tree. For example, because you want to give away a young plant of this kind - or you want to plant a second young tree in your own garden. If you have a larger, undeveloped plot of land, you can also plant more black walnut trees in order to sell the wood later - because this is more expensive than many other types of wood. The annual nut harvest from adult black walnut trees is also a very attractive argument for many enthusiasts to increase existing stocks. But how exactly do you go about doing this? There are generally two ways to propagate a black walnut tree.

Either you use the fruit and seeds, i.e. the black walnut itself
or use cuttings for propagation, which can be found on the tree.

Propagating black walnut trees with cuttings

Propagation of the walnut tree with the help of cuttings is considered to be much easier and faster than propagation with the black walnut of the tree. This is because seedlings have already germinated and grown and are therefore much more stable and robust, so the hobby gardener does not have to start from the beginning, but saves some time, patience and effort.

In order to propagate the black walnut tree with cuttings, you first need cuttings, of course. But where do you get them from? For this, look for young shoots on the black walnut tree that have grown at least 20 cm long, ideally even more. thenyou cut off the tip of the shoots with a length of exactly 15cm, so that a piece of it remains on the tree and can dry out - this protects the tree bark from harmful fungi. Slightly woody shoots can also be used to propagate the black walnut tree - so you don't have to consider anything specific when choosing.

If you have decided on one or more cuttings, you need a planter, as well as suitable growing soil that is as nutrient-rich as possible - because black walnut trees are known to prefer many nutrients for good growth. If necessary, several cuttings can be brought into the planter, which are then watered. Now press the soil around the cutting lightly. Cuttings like it warm and protected, should be allowed to stand in the indirect sun and brought into the house or apartment for the first winter - they are only winter-proof after about two years of growth. Waterlogging should be avoided when growing the cuttings, as this could damage the roots.

If new leaves appear on the cutting of the black walnut tree, the growth of the shoot was successful. This means the cutting has taken root and is receiving enough nutrients to continue to grow and become a black walnut tree for later gardening. It will take a while until then, however, because the seedlings must first be separated, i.e. given their own pot to grow with their own soil. The deeper this pot is, the deeper the roots of the black walnut tree can spread - and the stronger the young plant will be before it is planted. Frost should be avoided when growing the cuttings - if they are to be planted when they are of sufficient size and strength, the period from April to September is highly recommended. It is also advisable to support weak-looking seedlings with a stick or small stake in the pot so that they do not snap over in the wind.

Advantages of Propagation by Cuttings

Bypassing the germination time, saving time and effort
Cuttings are usually more robust and therefore grow faster
several cuttings can be grown at the same time
for starters, cuttings can share a pot

Disadvantages of propagation by cuttings

requires very nutrient-rich growing soil
only works if there are cuttings

Propagating black walnut trees with nuts

If you want to grow one or more black walnut trees from collected black walnuts, this is also possible - but proves to be much more difficult than raising from seedlings that have already matured more advanced. In order to be able to note success in propagating black walnuts, one needs quite fresh black walnuts.

First of all, a flower pot is required for each black walnut, which is filled with a mixture of very sandy soil and peat. The nut should then be completely stripped of its shell before being planted in the ground. A light covering with a thin layer of earth should also be done. The ideal location for the pot is in a bright and slightly sunny spot, but one that is protected and where no frost or cold snaps are expected in the near future.

Now it is important to keep the soil moist at all times - but avoid waterlogging in any case, otherwise the nut could become moldy. Depending on the heat, successful germination will soon show the first small shoots, which may only be transplanted and isolated when they have reached a height of at least 15 cm. Each seedling can now have its own pot so that there is enough space for the roots to spread and they also receive enough nutrients. Cultivation soil should continue to be used, if necessary it can also be mixed with a little compost.

The raised seedlings are welcome to be taken outside in spring and on warm days to adapt to the conditions. The sun is ideal for supporting the young plants in their growth, but the roots must never dry out - otherwise the plant will most likely die. In the first two years, however, care must be taken to ensure that the plant is never exposed to frost - this would also lead to the roots dying off and the plant not being able to survive. The young plants should therefore be overwintered before they can be planted in the garden in spring after the second winter.

Benefits of Propagating with Nuts