Walnut tree

[Melissa]

Hi there! My question is very similar to Gary's but regarding a walnut tree. I do not know how hardy they are throughout the winter. Should I plant it in the garder, or bring it inside? I live near Vancouver, BC, so our summers are mild, but quite often the temperatures drop below zero. What would you recommend?
Thanks
Melissa

[The Helpful Gardener]

Not knowing which one you have I will assume you have the English walnut (that's the one we eat).

This is a good outdoor plant even up into Oregon, but I think you may be pushing it just a little; this one should probably stay outside for you, but with protection (screen porch, garage, even a cardboard box in a sheltered area). Interesting choice for a bonsai; I suspect you will want to use a little deeper pot than usual as the Juglans family throws a bit of a taproot...

Scott

[opabinia51]

Here is the question: Will a Walnut bonsai still produce nuts? I am guessing that it would. I might try that with one or two of the trees that I have been growing from seed.

[The Helpful Gardener]

Opa, there is a tradition of fruited trees in bonsai (usually quince or apricots) but here's the rub; the fruit does not miniturize. So now we have a very small plant supporting full sized fruit, fruiting being the most stressful thing a plant does on it's own. Usually when fruit is left on a bonsai it is a single, prominately displayed fruit. I'd be careful about letting it go totally to fruit...

Scott

[opabinia51]

Okay, maybe I'll just sacrifice one of my Walnut seedlings for bonsai. One nut would make a very nice looking addition to the tree. Thanks for the advice.