893 BR Walnut-Carpathian

The Carpathian walnut is a cold-hardy strain of the English or Persian walnut (Juglans regia), prized for its sweet, thin-shelled, and easy-to-crack nuts. Originating from the Carpathian Mountains in Poland, it is more tolerant of cold climates and variable winters than other English walnut varieties.

Key Characteristics

Hardiness: Known for its increased cold tolerance, the tree is hardy in USDA zones 4 or 5 through 9, and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F or even -30°F.

Nuts: The nuts have a rich, mild, and buttery flavor, making them excellent for fresh eating or baking. Their thin shells are a primary feature, making them easy to crack and the kernels simple to extract.

Tree Appearance: It is a large deciduous tree that typically grows 40-60 feet tall with a wide, spreading, rounded crown, making it suitable for a shade tree in large landscapes or orchards.

Growth and Care: The tree prefers full sun and deep, moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. It has a deep taproot, which makes it difficult to transplant once established.

Pollination: Carpathian walnuts are considered partially self-fertile, but planting two different varieties (or a grafted tree with a seedling) will significantly increase nut production.

Harvest: Nuts mature in the autumn, typically from late September to October, when the green husks dry and split open, allowing the walnuts to fall to the ground.

The roots of the Carpathian walnut produce a natural herbicide called juglone. This compound is toxic to certain other plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and azaleas. Most of the toxicity is limited to within the tree's drip line, but sensitive plants should be spaced at least 50 feet away from a mature tree.