How And When To Harvest Black Walnuts

Harvest black walnuts in late September through October when the green outer husks begin to soften and turn yellow-green.
 
If you’re wondering how and when to harvest black walnuts, the timing really matters because these nuts have a tough outer hull that needs to be removed before you can get to the tasty nut inside.
 
The best time to harvest black walnuts is when the husks are easy to indent with your thumb and the nuts start dropping from the tree naturally.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how and when to harvest black walnuts, from spotting the right signs of ripeness to curing and storing them properly.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

When to Harvest Black Walnuts

Knowing when to harvest black walnuts is half the battle, and here’s what to look for:
 

1. Watch for the Husks to Soften

Black walnuts are ready to harvest when the green husks start to soften and change color.
 
They’ll shift from a bright, solid green to a yellowish-green, and they’ll feel slightly squishy when you press them.
 
If the husk is still rock hard and bright green, the nuts aren’t ready yet.
 

2. Wait for Nuts to Drop Naturally

The easiest sign that it’s time to harvest black walnuts is when they start falling from the tree on their own.
 
This usually happens in late September through October, depending on your climate.
 
When you see nuts scattered on the ground beneath the tree, that’s your green light to start gathering.
 

3. Check the Hull for Dark Spots

As black walnuts ripen, the husks develop dark brown or black spots.
 
This is a natural part of the ripening process and means the nuts are ready to be harvested.
 
If the husks are still perfectly smooth and green, give them a little more time.
 

How to Harvest Black Walnuts

Once you know when to harvest black walnuts, the actual harvesting process is pretty straightforward.
 
Here’s how to do it right:
 

1. Gather Them Quickly

Don’t leave black walnuts sitting on the ground for too long after they fall.
 
Squirrels, deer, and other critters love them just as much as you do.
 
Plus, the longer they sit, the more likely they are to get moldy or infested with worms.
 
Collect them daily during peak harvest season for the best results.
 

2. Remove the Husks

The green husks need to come off before you can cure and store the nuts.
 
You can do this by stomping on them with boots, rolling them under your foot, or using a hammer.
 
Just be warned: black walnut husks stain everything they touch, so wear old clothes and gloves.
 
The husks also contain juglone, which can be toxic to some plants, so don’t compost them near your garden.
 

3. Rinse and Inspect the Nuts

After removing the husks, rinse the nuts thoroughly with water.
 
This helps remove any leftover husk material and makes it easier to spot bad nuts.
 
Any nuts that float to the top are likely empty or damaged, so toss those out.
 
Good black walnuts will sink to the bottom.
 

4. Cure the Nuts

Curing is a crucial step after you harvest black walnuts because it improves their flavor and helps them store longer.
 
Spread the nuts out in a single layer in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
 
Let them cure for about two to four weeks, stirring them occasionally so they dry evenly.
 
You’ll know they’re ready when the shells are hard and the nut inside rattles when you shake it.
 

Tips for Harvesting Black Walnuts

A few extra tips can make your black walnut harvest go smoother.
 

1. Wear Gloves

Always wear gloves when handling black walnuts because the husks will stain your hands for days.
 
The stain is harmless, but it’s stubborn and hard to wash off.
 

2. Work Outside

Husk removal is messy, so do it outside where you don’t have to worry about staining floors or counters.
 
A tarp or a hard surface you don’t mind staining works great.
 

3. Store Properly After Curing

Once your black walnuts are cured, store them in a cool, dry place in mesh bags or breathable containers.
 
Properly cured and stored black walnuts can last for up to a year, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy them.
 

So, How and When to Harvest Black Walnuts?

Harvest black walnuts in late September through October when the green husks start to soften and turn yellowish-green.
 
Timing your harvest right means better-tasting nuts and a much easier hulling process.
 
Wait for the husks to soften and nuts to drop naturally, gather them quickly, remove the husks, rinse, and cure them for a few weeks before storing.
 
Now that you know how and when to harvest black walnuts, you can look forward to a rewarding harvest season.
 
Happy harvesting.