When it comes to dried fruits, people often think of almonds, cashews, and walnuts. However, hearing the word 'walnut,' many people picture large trees growing in the mountains and in Kashmir. Because of this, many assume that you can only plant a walnut tree in a field or a garden. But what if we told you that you can very easily grow a walnut at home, in a small plot? If not, you should give it a try.
You can grow a walnut in a small pot on a balcony or rooftop, but this requires some patience. A walnut is not a plant that will bear fruit within a few months. It requires a significant amount of time for full development. The correct seed, a deep pot, good soil, and proper care are extremely important. If your seedling develops correctly, you can avoid buying expensive walnuts in the store and obtain a high-quality product.
How to grow a walnut at home:
First, choose a quality walnut: if you want to prepare a seedling from a walnut, start with a healthy and high-quality seed. It is recommended to soak the walnut in water for about two to three days, and then proceed with preparing for planting.
It is important to remember that germinating a seedling from a walnut seed is not always easy. Many walnut varieties require cold and moist conditions to germinate. Therefore, simply putting the seed in the ground will not guarantee germination every time.
Choose a deep pot: Instead of a small, ordinary pot for planting a walnut, you should choose a large and deep container. There must be appropriate drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This is because walnut roots require enough space underneath. If the roots do not have enough space, it can negatively affect the plant's growth.
What kind of soil should there be? Soil suitable for a walnut plant is one that does not retain water and ensures good drainage. Loam is considered a suitable option. You can create such a mixture by adding sand and organic fertilizer to the soil so that it retains moisture, but excess water drains easily. The most important thing is that water should not stagnate in the pot. Excess water and constantly moist soil can damage the roots.
How deep should you plant the walnut? The walnut seed should be planted in the prepared soil to a depth of about 2-3 inches. After that, a thin layer of soil should be sprinkled on top. After planting, the seed should be kept slightly moist. Do not overwater. Water only when the soil begins to dry out.
How important is sunlight? The walnut plant needs good light. Although it is better to protect the plant from overly strong and scorching direct sun in the initial stage, as the plant grows, it is crucial to place it in a well-lit area.
Be careful with watering: When watering the plant, you should not rely solely on whether it is a 'watering day.' First, you need to check the moisture level of the soil in the pot. If the top layer of the soil is still sufficiently moist, there is no need to water again. Water stagnation in the pot can harm the walnut plant, so proper drainage is the most important aspect.
Fruiting will take a long time: If you plant a walnut, do not expect an immediate harvest. A seedling grown from a seed may take several years to begin bearing fruit. According to some reports, a walnut may start fruiting in about 4 years or even longer, and full development can take even more time.
What to understand when growing in a pot: Walnuts can usually become quite large trees. Therefore, growing in a pot is only suitable for the beginning, but as the plant grows, it may need more space. It is important to monitor the roots and the plant's growth in a large container from time to time.
If you have a large yard, open space, or a garden, providing the plant with sufficient space in the long term will be the best option.