Juglans regia Seeds | English Walnut
LATIN NAME: Juglans regia
COMMON NAME: English Walnut
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, English Walnut (Juglans regia) stands out as a deciduous tree in the walnut family. Crown spreads wide and gives generous shade, and tree stands cold winters well. It likes sun, and deep, rich, well-drained soil. Pollinating insects take to the flowers at once, adding a little wildlife interest to its garden value. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the walnut family regularly include Juglans regia in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. Nutritious kernels of the English walnut hold a long place in research on temperate nut trees of walnut family, and regia species appears in studies of kernel oil chemistry and broad-crown development. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value English Walnut for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. In large garden and the orchard, the English walnut vaults orchard with broad green crown. Kernels serve table, baking and oils for generations, timber serves fine furniture and gunstocks, and tree gives deep, cool shade. It thrives in deep, rich, well-drained, sunny ground. Once it has settled, the workload drops to almost nothing.
Walnuts are among the most heart-studied nuts, rich in omega-3 ALA and polyphenols, with trials supporting vascular benefits; black walnut hull is a traditional astringent folk remedy, and the wood is peerless cabinet timber.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for English Walnut, and the process is uncomplicated. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. The seed responds well to a cool, moist stratification period, which helps it break dormancy evenly. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Being a deciduous tree, it asks for a permanent spot and repays it yearly. Sun and good drainage cover most of its demands.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow English Walnut often pair it with these related subjects: