Common Walnut Franquette - Juglans regia

The Juglans regia 'Franquette' is a variety of common walnut extensively cultivated in our territory, and it is one of the varieties of the Grenoble Walnut PDO. The walnut of this variety is of medium size, with an elongated hard shell and a well-filled and good-tasting kernel. This majestic tree requires space and will start producing from its fifth year. Franquette is a self-fertile variety, highly productive and late-ripening. It can be cultivated alone, but the yield will be better with other walnut trees nearby. It is very hardy, resistant to drought and diseases.

The Juglans regia or common walnut belongs to the Juglandaceae family and is native to China, Iran, and Southeast Europe. The Franquette variety is an old variety, obtained in the early 19th century by Nicoud-Franquet from Notre Dame de l'Osier in Isère. It is a majestic tree with a spreading habit that requires a large garden as it reaches 10 meters (33 feet) in height in 20 years and can grow up to 20 meters (66 feet) at maturity. Its spread is equally imposing and can reach up to 18 meters (59 feet). However, in orchards, there is a distance of 10 meters (33 feet) between two trees. No planting is possible below its canopy, as few plants can withstand its competition, due to the production of juglone, a toxic aromatic compound for most plants. The walnut of the 'Franquette' variety is ready to harvest in October. It is of medium size, elongated and pointed at the top, rounded at the base, with a hard shell and a large, good-tasting kernel, delicious both fresh and dried. This variety has a relatively late fruiting period. For quick fruiting, expect five years before your first harvest.

Walnut trees in general prefer fresh and deep, well-drained soils, as they dislike stagnant moisture as well as prolonged droughts. Severe winters can limit their fruiting and weaken the trees.