Quick facts
| Arabic name | الجوز (عين الجمل) |
|---|---|
| English name | Walnut |
| Scientific name | Juglans regia |
| Family | Walnut family (Juglandaceae) |
| Plant type | Deciduous nut tree |
| Height | 10 to 25 m |
| Water use | High |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
January to February
Harvest time
September to October
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A big tree with a wide crown and fragrant compound leaves. The nut is inside a green husk that splits when ripe to show the hard shell.
Where it grows
Grown in small numbers in the highlands of Taif, Al-Baha and Asir, and in Tabuk and Al-Jouf.
Soil
Needs deep, rich, well-drained soil. Does not handle salt.
Water and irrigation
Needs regular and enough water, especially in summer.
Climate and light
Needs a cold winter to end its rest. Strong heat and late spring frost harm it.
Propagation
By grafting onto seedling rootstocks.
Benefits and uses
- Nuts are nutritious and rich in healthy fats
- Its wood is very valuable
- A big shade tree
Drawbacks
- Needs a lot of water
- Fails in hot areas
- Its roots release a substance that slows some nearby plants
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Juglans regia
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Juglans regia
- Wikipedia: Juglans regia
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)