7 Types of Nuts You Can Actually Grow Yourself (Yes, Really)

picking peanuts

For some reason, many people don’t consider growing nuts—often because most nuts grow on trees, which require more time and space than fruits or veggies—but they’re still a great way to add life to your yard; depending on where you live, you might have a wide variety of options you haven’t considered.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best nuts you can grow yourself. If you’re looking to plant more trees on your property and you want the added benefit of growing literal snacks at home, read on.

Walnuts

Black walnut tree

Walnut trees are large, deciduous trees that are absolutely beautiful—but they also require a lot of space, well-draining, fertile soil, and full sun.

These are best harvested in the fall, when the nuts are ripe and their husks ripen enough to fall from the tree when shaken. The husks should be instantly removed, and be sure to wear protection as walnut oil is a natural irritant.

  • USDA Zone: 4-9
  • Mature size: 50 to 80 ft.
  • Taste: Earthy and slightly bitter in taste, with a creamy texture

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts on Trees

Hazelnut trees prefer cooler climates, and are native to eastern and central parts of the US and Canada. This is because they require a certain amount of time in colder temperatures in the winter to properly produce nuts.

Harvest hazelnuts in the fall when the nuts fall easily from the trees. Look for yellow husks and either pick them directly from the branches or wait for them to drop on their own.

  • USDA Zone: 4-8
  • Mature size: 10 to 15 ft.
  • Taste: Sweet and buttery taste that caramelizes when toasted

Chestnuts

Autumn arrangement of horse chestnuts and tree leaves

Chestnut trees require ample space and the right balance of direct sunlight and acidic soil, but if you’re hoping to add a beautiful tree to your property, these are stunning when they reach maturity. It’s worth noting, though, that American chestnut trees can’t self-pollinate; this means that, for best nut production, you’ll need two different varieties.

Wait until the chestnuts have fallen naturally, and wear gloves to collect any whose prickly husks have opened.

  • USDA Zone: 4-8
  • Mature size: 40 to 60 ft.
  • Taste: A unique, bitter taste when raw, but soft and buttery once roasted—often compared to a sweet potato

Pecans

Pecan tree and pecan nuts

Pecan trees are actually native to the southern U.S., so if you’re in the right zone and your property is spacious enough to handle their size and equipped with enough sunlight and well-drained soil, you’re in luck.

Collect the nuts from the ground once the green hulls have split and released them.

  • USDA Zone: 6-9
  • Mature size: 70 to 100 ft. with some growing even taller
  • Taste: Rich and buttery in taste with a slight sweetness

Almonds

Almond tree with nuts.

Almond trees do best in areas that have a Mediterranean climate—long, hot, and dry summers and mild, wet winters. But they also require frequent watering during dry periods and well-drained soil.

The ripened hulls can be hand-picked or shaken from the tree, and the nuts should be removed and dried.

  • USDA Zone: 5-9
  • Mature size: 10 to 25 ft.
  • Taste: Sweet and slightly bitter, with a signature aroma that’s both fruity and floral

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia Nut on Tree

Macadamia nuts prefer warmer climates, and they require sufficient watering—either through rainfall or irrigation. Hawaii is most known for growing macadamia nuts in the U.S., while parts of California and Florida can also offer the right conditions.

Collect the nuts once they fall naturally to the ground. Then, remove the outer green husk and dry to prevent spoilage.

  • USDA Zone: 9-11
  • Mature size: 30 to 50 ft.
  • Taste: Rich in flavor, with a buttery texture and subtle sweetness

Peanuts

Pulling a peanut plant from the ground

Unlike the other options on this list, peanuts don’t grow on trees. Instead, they develop underground. This is because peanuts aren’t technically nuts; they’re legumes, closer in relation to peas and beans.

Still, they’re making this list because their flavor profile keeps them more aligned with a nut, and depending on where you live, they might be a great addition to your garden.

In late summer or early fall, when the leaves of your peanut plant start to yellow, dig up the plants, shake off any excess soil, and separate the pods.

  • USDA Zone: 8-11
  • Mature size: one to two feet tall
  • Taste: Peanuts are savory and earthy, with a bean-like flavor when eaten raw

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