Sunland Walnut (Juglans regia 'Sunland') is a high-quality English walnut cultivar developed by the University of California, Davis, and released in 1993. It is especially noted for its attractive, smooth, well-sealed shells and light, flavourful kernels. Sunland is an early leafing, vigorous tree, making it ideal for orchard-style planting.
- Uses: Eating fresh, baking, cooking, oil extraction
- Pollination: Partially self-pollinating; better results with pollinators like 'Tulare', 'Cisco' or 'Chandler'
- Harvest: Mid-season (March–early April)
- Chill requirements: Moderate chill; suitable for warm temperate to temperate climates
- Size: About 10–12 m high × 8–10 m wide
- Attributes: Vigorous tree, reliable cropping
- Features: Smooth, well-sealed nuts; excellent kernel quality and flavour; good shell integrity and crackability
- Also known as: English Walnut 'Sunland', Persian Walnut 'Sunland'
Trees are grown on their own roots propagated from seed, not grafted.
Check out the book Just Nuts for practical, down-to-earth growing advice tailored to Australian conditions.
Images including dried nuts: Copyright Heritage Fruit Trees
References:
Ramos, D. E. (Ed.). (1997). Walnut Production Manual. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Publication 3373.
McGranahan, G. H., & Leslie, C. A. (1991). Breeding and genetics of walnuts. Horticultural Reviews, 13, 155–201.
University of California, Walnut Improvement Program. (n.d.). Sunland Variety Profile. Retrieved from https://walnut.ucanr.edu