Vina Walnut (Juglans regia 'Vina') is a compact, early-leafing English walnut variety bred by the University of California and released in 1978. Vina’s smaller tree size and upright habit make it especially suited to smaller orchards or home gardens. It is an early bearer and prolific cropper, with reliable productivity even in slightly warmer regions with lower chill hours.
- Uses: Eating fresh, baking, cooking, oil
- Pollination: Partially self-pollinating; better yields with compatible pollinators e.g. 'Chandler', 'Cisco'
- Harvest: Early to mid-season (March)
- Chill requirements: Moderate chill; suitable for temperate and warm temperate climates
- Size: About 8–10 m high × 6–8 m wide
- Attributes: Compact growth, high productivity, early bearing
- Features: Smooth shell, light kernel, excellent flavour, good crackability; ideal for small-scale planting
- Also known as: English Walnut 'Vina', Persian Walnut 'Vina'
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.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Walnut Cultivar Descriptions. Retrieved from https://walnut.ucanr.edu
McGranahan, G. H., & Leslie, C. A. (1991). Breeding and genetics of walnuts. Horticultural Reviews, 13, 155–201.