Growing Nuts - What Kinds Can I grow?

Hey Everyone,

My wife and I are mid process buying an acre just outside of New Plymouth. We are looking to grow a few nut trees on the edge of the planned orchard, but I am not sure what is suitable. We are 6km from the coast, so not particularly elevated (160m) but we will get a few frosts each winter. I have been reading the Transitions Towns handbook this week, and in South England (ballpark similar climate?) they are growing Walnuts, Pecans, Almond and Hazelnuts, along with a few others I am not so interested in. Can anyone tell me if these 4 are suitable to grow in my region or suggest others? I know there are local macadamea growers, but not sure how elevated they are. Will possibly put one of these in too.

The area I have that there is space for such trees is North East facing on flat to gentle sloping (to the north) land. It will lose the sun later in the afternoon, but I am assuming this will be OK, particular once the trees get up as nut tress tend to be pretty large.

Do nut trees self pollinate?

Looking forward to your knowledge on this one.

Smiles, Laine

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Replies

  • I live in New Plymouth.

    I have found that while there are walnut trees here they don't do as well as places like canterbury because of fungal diseases with the wet climate. Walnut trees don't need pollinators.

    Almonds should grow here as they are a variety of peach, but I don't know of any.

    Hazelnuts do grow here, they are wind pollinated and do need pollintors.

    On Brois St in Frankley Park there is a public council orchard with a mixture of fruit and nut trees you maybe interested in looking at.

    • Hey thanks for that Jason. I just had a look at Te Kahuri's price list and it confirmed what you have said, as those 4 trees are some of the few nuts that they have for sale for the local climes. You probably know about them already, but if not, here is their list. They have many old local varieties for fruit and nut trees:

      http://www.tekahurinurseries.co.nz/files/2012/Te%20Kahuri%20Nurseri... 

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