Rhodes Heartnut Seedling (Bundle of 2)

Overview

Rhodes Heartnut seedlings comes from a high-quality heartnut parent selection known for its thin shell, excellent kernel percentage, and uniquely smooth, creamy eating quality that sets it apart.

Origin and History

These Rhodes Heartnut seedlings were grown from seed we obtained from Perfect Circle Farm in the fall of 2023 and have been container-grown for two full seasons. The Rhodes heartnut itself traces back to European heartnut material and has circulated quietly among nut growers for decades. According to a growing guide published by Great British Online, Rhodes is described as a moderately hardy heartnut that flowers late, bears heavily, and is likely self-fertile, with a reputation for excellent kernel quality and easy cracking. Separately, a detailed grower account on FigBid notes that one well-known Rhodes tree was grafted by Mr. Schlageater, a German nut grower who passed away in 2022, suggesting this selection has been preserved and passed along by dedicated growers rather than through commercial breeding programs.

Nut & Uses

Rhodes produces medium to large heart-shaped nuts with thin shells that crack easily and yield a high percentage of usable kernel. Flavor and texture are where this selection stands out. Grower descriptions consistently emphasize how unusually oily, smooth, and creamy the kernel is, with very little bitterness. One grower described it as the oiliest and “greasiest” nut they had ever handled, leaving oil on the hands when cracked. We cracked open several in 2023 before stratifying them. Here are taste notes from then: soft,  and creamy. According to Elizabeth "never had a nut like this that wasn’t crunchy. It's interesting because of its smoothness. Doesn't have a strong flavor but it is very creamy, and mellow. Not bitter at all. Could eat lots of them."

Growth Habit & Spacing

Rhodes Heartnut forms a vigorous tree typical of heartnuts, with a strong central leader and broad eventual canopy. As a moderately hardy tree that flowers late, it is well adapted to sites with cold springs where early flowering walnuts can be damaged. Long-term spacing of 30–40 feet is appropriate for mature trees.

Pollination

Rhodes is reported to flower late and bear heavily, and it is described as probably self-fertile. As with most heartnuts, however, having another heartnut or compatible walnut nearby can improve nut set and consistency, especially in variable spring conditions. Even self-fertile walnuts tend to benefit from cross-pollination when possible.

Cold Hardiness

Rhodes is generally described as moderately hardy for a heartnut, with late flowering helping it avoid spring frost damage more than extreme midwinter cold tolerance alone. While specific minimum temperature thresholds are not well documented, we would put it in the range of being able to survive -30F. Colder than that is anyone's guess. If anyone has more data on Rhodes' hardiness, please reach out. 

Also bear in mind that this description is from the mother tree of these seedlings. These will all genetically unique.