Ronde de Montignac
The walnut variety Ronde de Montignac was selected in France in the 1970s. Since then, it has established itself as a popular choice among walnut producers, particularly due to its high quality and resilience. This variety is known for its delicious, high-quality kernels and high yield.
The nuts are predominantly round and are appreciated for their excellent flavor. They have a thin shell, making them easy to crack. Additionally, the variety is disease-resistant and well-suited for various climatic conditions.
Growth and crown
The Ronde de Montignac walnut tree exhibits moderately vigorous growth. It typically reaches heights of 8 to 12 meters, with a wide, round crown that can have a diameter of 10 to 15 meters. The tree has strong, well-structured branches that form a dense canopy, providing ample shade. The broad, spherical crown creates a good balance between shade and fruit production, making it suitable for both commercial orchards and home gardens.
Flowering / Leaf Budding
This variety shows late leaf budding and flowering, usually occurring between late April and early May.
The flowering period lasts about 15 days, during which male flowers appear first, followed by female flowers.
This late flowering helps protect the tree from spring frosts.
Planting Scheme for Ronde de Montignac walnuts
For planting Ronde de Montignac walnuts, the following scheme is recommended for optimal growth and yield:
- Row spacing: 6 meters
- Distance between trees in rows: 5 meters
This configuration allows for sufficient sunlight exposure, air circulation, and easy maintenance (such as mowing and harvesting).
With this spacing, approximately 300 to 330 trees can be planted per hectare.
Pollination
Ronde de Montignac is partially self-pollinating but benefits from cross-pollination with other compatible varieties such as Franquette or Fernette. For optimal yields, it is recommended to plant a mix of 90% Ronde de Montignac and 10% of these pollinators in the orchard. Given that the variety flowers late, it is also advisable to use it as a pollinator if your main variety is Fernor, Fernette, or Chandler.
Yield
This walnut variety is known for its consistently high yields. Ronde de Montignac trees typically begin producing nuts in their fourth or fifth year, with mature trees yielding between 40 and 60 kilograms of walnuts per year. In well-maintained orchards, yields can reach 3 to 4 tons of dry nuts per hectare.
Nut Quality
The nuts are predominantly round, with a medium to large size, typically weighing between 12 to 15 grams.
The shell is thin, smooth, and light brown in color. Its thinness not only makes it easy to crack but also enhances the overall nut-to-shell ratio, which is about 55%.
The kernel has a bright color and a high oil content( 50%) , contributing to its rich and pleasant taste. The flavor profile is described as sweet and mild, making it appealing for various culinary uses.
Due to their excellent taste and attractive appearance, Ronde de Montignac walnuts are highly marketable. Their favorable kernel-to-shell ratio also adds to their value.
Harvest time
The harvest of Ronde de Montignac walnuts usually takes place from late September to early October. The ideal time for harvesting is when the outer husk begins to split, revealing the hard fruit inside
Disease and frost resistance
Ronde de Montignac shows good resistance to common walnut diseases, including bacterial blight and anthracnose. Its late flowering also makes it less susceptible to damage from late frosts. The tree is robust and can withstand various climatic conditions, making it a reliable choice for walnut growers.
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Height & Growth |
Medium growth, typically reaches 8-12 meters |
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Tree crown |
Broad, spherical crown with a moderate density. |
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Flowering |
Late flowering, usually occurs in April/ early May |
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Flowering type |
Protandrous (male flowers bloom first) |
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Self fertile |
Self pollinating |
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Pollination |
Self-pollinating; For optimal yields recommended to plant a mix of 90% Ronde de Montignac and 10% of as Franquette or Fernette. Also good pollinator variety to be added to plantations of Fernor, Fernette and Chandler |
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Terminal or Lateral |
Primarily lateral bearing |
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Fruiting |
Early fruiting, typically begins in the 4th year |
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Fruit |
Round, medium to large (12-15 gr.), verry good flavor |
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Shell & pericarp |
Thin, smooth shell that is easy to crack |
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Kernel |
Light-colored, full-bodied, excellent taste |
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Harvest |
Late September to early October |
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Oil content |
High oil content, approximately 50% percent |
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Kernel % |
55% |
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Winter hardness |
Good cold tolerance |
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Frost susceptibiity |
Resistant to late spring frosts |
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Sensitivity to bacterial blight and anthracnose |
Generally resistant |
Walnuts Bulgaria
Semerdzhievo / Smilekin, Selskostopanski dvor
GPS Koordinaten: 43°46'32.05"N , 26° 9'44.51"E oder 43.775587, 26.162301
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