Howard English Walnut Tree

Howard Walnut Tree is a beloved variety known for its outstanding nut quality and beautiful growth habit! This vigorous tree typically reaches 30-50 feet tall, forming a broad, graceful canopy with lush, deep green foliage that provides excellent shade throughout the warm months. Gardeners adore its ability to produce large, flavorful walnuts with thin shells that are easy to crack and perfect for snacking, baking, or gifting. The tree’s dependable productivity and strong disease resistance make it a reliable, low-maintenance choice for home orchards. Its handsome appearance adds ornamental value to any yard, while its long lifespan ensures it will be enjoyed for generations.

Also Known As: Howard Walnut Tree, Howard Walnut, English Walnut, Juglans Regia 'Howard', Persian Walnut, Carpathian Walnut, Common Walnut, Walnut Tree, Howard Variety Walnut, Walnut.

Plant Name:	Tree, English Walnut (Howard)
Latin Name:	Juglans regia
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	3 - 5 Years
Plant Height:	30 - 50 Feet
Spread:	20 - 30 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	6-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 15 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. Remove the outer husk and soak the walnuts in hot tap water and let stand for 24 hours prior to sowing. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F for 90-120 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. Check every other day. Once roots are visible, sow in moist potting soil and place in a sunny area that is at least 65F, about 1 month after the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 65F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. Remove the outer husk and soak the walnuts in hot tap water and let stand for 24 hours prior to sowing. To plant, make holes 1-2 inches deep and spaced 30-40 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1-2 inches
Within-Row Spacing:	30-40 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	40 feet

Care During the Season:

English Walnut Tree will produce healthy growth, strong branches, and abundant walnut yields year after year with care. During spring and summer, young trees need regular deep watering, especially in dry conditions, to establish strong root systems, while mature trees are more drought-tolerant but still benefit from occasional watering during extended dry spells. Applying a layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Optionally, as the season progresses, additional fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium can support nut production. Pruning is best performed in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, to remove dead or weak branches and improve airflow, which helps prevent disease. As the growing season progresses toward late summer and early fall, watering should be gradually reduced to encourage nut ripening.

Harvesting:

English Walnut can be harvested in late summer to early fall, usually between September and October. The best time to harvest is when the green outer husks begin to split open, revealing the hard brown shell inside. This indicates that the nuts are mature and ready for collection. To harvest, shake the tree gently or use a pole to knock down the nuts, then gather them from the ground. Promptly remove the husks, as leaving them on too long can stain the shell and affect the nut’s quality. After husking, rinse the walnuts thoroughly and allow them to dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area for two to three weeks, turning them occasionally to ensure even drying. Proper drying is crucial to prevent mold and spoilage. Once fully dried, store the walnuts in a cool, dry place, in breathable bags or containers to maintain freshness.