The Fanquette Walnut Tree
Information by:
https://www.treesofantiquity.com
The Franquette English Walnut Tree is an old French variety discovered in the early 1800’s. The Fanquette is one of the last walnuts to break dormancy so late spring frosts are rarely a concern. It self-fertilizes but will produce more nuts with Chandler or Pedro. It produces it’s nuts in clusters on the branch tips and ripens in late October.
With their symmetrical, oval canopies and a broad branch structure, these feature wide, attractive leaves and bring a distinctive look to the landscape. Franquette is one of the most widely planted English Walnuts for commercial production. It produces delicious, sealed, thin-shelled nuts that are easy to harvest and process.
Planting:
This walnut tree works well in home landscapes producing an edible crop and acts as a large shade tree. The walnuts do produce juglone, but not as much as Black Walnuts (thank God!) They rarely affect other, more sensitive plants.
The Franquette should be planted in full sun for best results. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day and require well-drained soil. Like the Chandler, this walnut tree grows in zones 6-9.
Other interesting facts:
Heirloom: Yes
Years to Bear fruit: 2-5 years
Recommended Spacing: 25-40 ft
Mature Size: 30 – 60 ft
Water Requirements: 12 – 15 gallons per week May through September
Other nurseries in the USA that carry/sell Fanquette Walnuts
https://www.burntridgenursery.com
https://www.naturehills.com (they are expensive)
Originally, I wanted walnuts as part of the farm because they relate to directly to my childhood memories but as I wind down my research (yes this will be the last post on Walnuts… I promise!) I’m starting to question this idea. Perhaps, I should just focus on either Walnuts or Pecans, not both… the question then becomes which one? So much to contemplate… That said, next up, Fruit trees and more updates on the property search!
