When Do You Pick English Walnuts

You pick English walnuts when the husks split open and the shells inside turn hard and brown.
 
That usually happens between late September and early November, depending on your climate and the variety of English walnut tree you’re growing.
 
If you pick English walnuts too early, the kernels shrivel and lose flavor, but if you wait too long, squirrels, birds, and mold will beat you to the harvest.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly when to pick English walnuts, how to tell they’re ready, and what to do once you’ve gathered them.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

When Do You Pick English Walnuts?

You pick English walnuts in the fall, once the green outer husk begins to split and reveal the hard shell underneath.
 
This is the clearest sign that the nuts are mature and ready to come off the tree.
 
Here’s what tells you it’s time.
 

1. The Husk Splits Open

The number one indicator of when to pick English walnuts is the husk.
 
Early in the season, the husk is solid green and firmly attached to the shell.
 
As the nuts mature, that husk starts to crack and peel away from the shell.
 
Once you see those splits, the English walnuts are ready to harvest.
 

2. The Shell Turns Hard and Brown

When you pick English walnuts at the right time, the shell beneath the husk is hard and woody.
 
If the shell still feels soft or you can dent it with your thumbnail, the nut isn’t ready.
 
Hard, brown shells mean the kernel inside has finished filling out and the English walnuts will cure properly.
 

3. The Kernel Is Filled Out

Crack open a test English walnut before you commit to a full harvest.
 
A ripe kernel fills the shell cavity and has a rich, nutty color.
 
If the kernel looks shriveled or the space around it is filled with a rubbery white membrane, those English walnuts need more time on the tree.
 

4. Timing by Region

When you pick English walnuts also depends on where you live.
 
In warmer zones, harvest often starts in late September.
 
In cooler regions, you might not pick English walnuts until late October or even early November.
 
Watch your tree rather than the calendar, because weather shifts the schedule every year.
 

How to Harvest English Walnuts the Right Way

Once you know when to pick English walnuts, the harvest itself is simple.
 
Here’s how to do it without damaging the nuts or the tree.
 

1. Shake the Branches

A gentle shake is often all it takes to bring ripe English walnuts down.
 
Spread a tarp under the canopy first so the nuts land on a clean surface.
 
If they don’t fall with a light shake, they probably need a few more days.
 

2. Pick Up Fallen Nuts Daily

English walnuts that drop on their own are usually the ripest ones.
 
Collect them every day to keep squirrels and insects from getting to them first.
 
Leaving them on the ground too long invites mold and rot.
 

3. Wear Gloves

The husks of English walnuts contain juglone, which stains your hands a deep yellow-brown that lasts for days.
 
Grab a pair of gloves before you start handling them.
 
Your hands will thank you later.
 

What to Do After You Pick English Walnuts

After you pick English walnuts, they still need curing before they’re ready to eat or store.
 
Here’s the process.
 

1. Remove the Husks

Peel off the husks as soon as possible after harvest.
 
If they’re stubborn, let the English walnuts sit in a bucket for a day or two until the husks soften and slip off easily.
 

2. Rinse and Dry

Give the nuts a quick rinse to remove any leftover husk bits.
 
Then spread them out in a single layer in a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot.
 
Let them dry for two to four weeks, turning them occasionally so they cure evenly.
 

3. Test for Dryness

When you pick English walnuts and cure them properly, the shells should feel light and dry.
 
Shake one near your ear, and if the kernel rattles inside, it’s fully cured.
 
At that point, your English walnuts are ready to crack, eat, or store.
 

4. Store Them Right

Keep cured English walnuts in a cool, dry place in breathable bags or containers.
 
For longer storage, pop them in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container.
 
Shelled kernels stay fresh for months, while unshelled nuts can last up to a year when stored properly.
 

So, When Do You Pick English Walnuts?

You pick English walnuts in the fall, when the green husks split open and the hard brown shells underneath are fully formed.
 
If you pick English walnuts too early, the kernels won’t develop properly, and if you wait too long, pests and mold will ruin your harvest.
 
Watch your tree closely, harvest as soon as the husks split, and cure the nuts thoroughly before storing them.
 
Do that, and you’ll enjoy a season’s worth of fresh, flavorful English walnuts straight from your own backyard.