Black Walnut Tree

Timber Black Walnut Tree is a majestic hardwood that brings beauty, strength, and long-term value to any property! This impressive tree can grow 60–80 feet tall, forming a stately, upright canopy with bold, dark green foliage that provides generous shade throughout the season. Gardeners and landowners love it for its rich, flavorful nuts that are perfect for baking and culinary creations, as well as its renowned timber quality, which makes it one of the most valuable hardwoods in North America. Its deep root system and natural hardiness help it thrive in a variety of soils, offering reliable growth with minimal maintenance. The tree also attracts wildlife, providing food and shelter for birds, squirrels, and other native species. Planting a Timber Black Walnut Tree adds beauty and productivity and is a rewarding investment for generations to come.

Also Known As: Black Walnut Tree, Juglans Nigra, Eastern Black Walnut, American Walnut, Walnut, Black Walnut, Tree Walnut, Hardwood Walnut, Walnut Lumber Tree, Black Nut Tree.

Plant Name:	Tree, Black Walnut (Timber)
Latin Name:	Juglans nigra
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	4 - 6 Years
Plant Height:	70 - 100 Feet
Spread:	50 - 75 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	4-9
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:

Black Walnut Tree enjoys deep, consistent watering during the growing season, especially in its early years or during prolonged dry spells, to support strong root and canopy development. Ensure it receives full sun for optimal growth, and apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, reduce weeds, and regulate soil temperature—keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Avoid over-fertilizing, as black walnuts generally thrive in moderately fertile soil, though a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring can be beneficial. Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, as minimal pruning helps maintain its natural form. Monitor for common pests such as walnut caterpillars and treat issues early to keep the tree healthy and vigorous throughout the season.

Harvesting:

Black Walnut Tree can be harvested in early to mid-fall, when the green outer husks begin to yellow, soften, or split, and the nuts start dropping naturally. Gather fallen nuts from the ground or shake low branches gently to release ripe ones, then remove the husks—wearing gloves, as they can stain—either by hand or by rolling the nuts underfoot. After husking, rinse the nuts thoroughly and allow them to cure in a cool, airy location for several weeks to develop their full, rich flavor. Avoid picking nuts directly from the tree while the husks are still hard and green, as they haven’t fully matured. Once cured, the walnuts can be cracked, stored, or used in a wide range of culinary recipes.