Sprout Walnuts
Sprouting walnuts from seed is a simple process that anyone can do at home. Young seedlings may then be planted for home use as landscape trees or sold as nursery stock. Mature walnut trees produce nuts that, according to the Mayo Clinic, are beneficial to your heart health. The trees are also in demand for their lumber, which is used to make high quality wood products.
Instructions
1. Spread the walnuts in a single layer to dry until husks loosen and start falling off. This may take a few weeks, but is fastest in a warm, dry location with good air circulation.
2. Remove remaining husks by hand. Wear protective clothing, since walnut husks can stain hands and clothes.
3. Moisten peat with water. Peat should be thoroughly moist, but not wet. Squeeze out any excess water.
4. Mix walnuts with the moist peat and place in layers in the moisture-proof container, packing gently. Each nut should be completely surrounded by peat.
5. Place the lid on the container and place in refrigerator for the duration of the winter. The refrigeration helps to break the seed dormancy and ensure a higher germination rate in the spring.
6. Remove the container from the refrigerator in early spring and take out the walnuts.
7. Plant nuts 2 to 3 inches deep in the ground or in deep pots outside. The peat may be worked into the soil to add organic matter and help retain moisture around the seeds. Keep the soil moist and germination should occur within two to three months. A few seeds may not germinate until the following year.
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