How to Grow English Walnut Tulare
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English Walnut Tulare
Juglans regia
treeEnglish Walnut Tulare is a mid-season walnut cultivar bred for commercial nut production, known for consistent yields and excellent kernel quality. It produces valuable timber and high-quality nuts in a moderately sized tree form. This variety is particularly well-suited to California's Central Valley climate.
When should you plant English Walnut Tulare in your zone?
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Example English Walnut Tulare timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant English Walnut Tulare
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest English Walnut Tulare
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact English Walnut Tulare dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-10, particularly in warm, dry climates like California
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Get my English Walnut Tulare timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-3 yearsYoung tree develops root system and branch framework; vigorous upright growth
Water deeply and regularly; stake if needed; avoid heavy pruning; apply zinc fertilizer; protect from sunscald with tree wrap
Pre-bearing
2-3 yearsTree grows taller and fuller; lateral branches develop secondary growth; canopy becomes more dense
Continue zinc supplementation; prune to develop strong central leader and scaffold branches; maintain consistent moisture; remove dead/diseased wood
Early Bearing
2-3 yearsFirst flowers appear in catkins; light to moderate nut production begins; tree reaches 20-30 feet
Ensure cross-pollination with compatible male flowering tree nearby; monitor for nutrient deficiencies; thin excessive fruit clusters if needed; maintain irrigation
Full Production
15-25+ yearsHeavy flowering and nut set; mature tree reaches full canopy; produces 40-100+ pounds of nuts annually
Fertilize with balanced NPK plus zinc; thin if nut clusters are excessive; maintain consistent irrigation during kernel fill; prune only to remove dead wood or shape
Harvest & Post-Harvest
August-NovemberNuts mature in husks; hulls split and darken; nuts fall to ground in late summer/early fall
Collect fallen nuts regularly; hull and dry properly to prevent mold; store in cool, dry conditions; monitor for pest/disease issues during dormancy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Pheromone traps; kaolin clay sprays; dormant oil in late winter; remove infested nuts; insecticides if necessary
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Remove and destroy fallen nuts promptly; spinosad sprays during emergence; maintain sanitation; overhead irrigation to disturb pupae
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Remove desiccated fruit; mating disruption pheromones; clean up shell fragments; dormant oil application
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Overhead watering; sulfur sprays; horticultural oils; predatory mites; avoid over-nitrogen fertilization
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators; parasitic wasps
Uses
Premium edible nuts
CulinaryTulare walnuts are prized for their large kernel size, light color, and excellent flavor. They are consumed whole, used in baking, candies, and high-end culinary preparations. [source]
Walnut oil production
CulinaryThe high oil content makes these nuts excellent for cold-pressed walnut oil, valued in gourmet cooking and salad dressings. [source]
Nutritional health benefits
MedicinalEnglish walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants, supporting cardiovascular and brain health. [source]
Valuable timber
HouseholdWalnut wood is highly sought for fine furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, and veneer, making the tree valuable as both a nut and timber crop. [source]
Wildlife food and habitat
WildlifeThe nuts and deep root system provide food and cover for squirrels, birds, and other wildlife, while the large canopy creates shade habitat. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest in late August through October when husks split and nuts fall naturally. Use a mechanical shaker for commercial operations or collect fallen nuts from the ground. Nuts should be hulled within 2-3 days of harvest; hull with a mechanical huller or concrete surface. Dry nuts to 5-7% moisture content in warm, well-ventilated conditions before storage. Store in cool, dry location at 32-50°F with low humidity for long-term keeping.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 English Walnut Tulare was specifically bred at UC Davis for California's Central Valley climate and is one of the leading commercial cultivars in the United States.
- 🌱 Walnut trees are famous for producing juglone, a naturally occurring plant chemical in roots, leaves, and stems that inhibits growth of many nearby plants—this is why companion planting near walnuts requires careful plant selection.
- 🌱 A mature English Walnut Tulare can live for 100+ years and continue producing high-quality nuts well into old age, making it a valuable multi-generational investment.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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