The Secret to Successful Hazelnuts: How to Plant Hazelnuts Like a Pro

Hazelnuts, those delightful little treasures packed with flavor and nutrients, are a joy to grow in your own backyard. Learning how to plant hazelnuts is not as daunting as it may seem. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your own delicious bounty. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, get ready to embark on a rewarding journey of growing your own hazelnuts.

Choosing the Right Hazelnut Variety

The first step in your hazelnut journey is selecting the right variety for your climate and preferences. Different hazelnut varieties have varying characteristics, including:

• Hardiness: Some varieties are more cold-hardy than others, making them suitable for colder climates.
• Maturity: Consider the time it takes for the nuts to mature, as some varieties take longer than others.
• Nut Size and Flavor: Choose a variety with nut size and flavor that appeals to you.

Here are some popular hazelnut varieties to consider:

• Barcelona: A widely grown variety known for its large, flavorful nuts.
• DuChilly: A cold-hardy variety that produces medium-sized nuts with a sweet flavor.
• Butler: A high-yielding variety with a strong, buttery flavor.
• Cosford: A self-fertile variety that produces large, flavorful nuts.

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Hazelnuts thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. They prefer full sun to partial shade, receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Carefully consider the following factors when choosing a site:

• Sunlight: Select a location that receives ample sunlight, but avoid areas with intense afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.
• Drainage: Ensure the site has good drainage to prevent root rot. If your soil is prone to waterlogging, consider creating raised beds.
• Wind Protection: Hazelnut trees are relatively wind-resistant, but a sheltered location can protect them from strong winds.

Before planting, prepare the soil by:

• Removing weeds and debris: Clear the planting area of any unwanted vegetation.
• Incorporating organic matter: Amend the soil with compost, aged manure, or leaf mold to improve drainage and fertility.
• Testing soil pH: If necessary, adjust the soil pH to the desired range using lime or sulfur.

Planting Hazelnut Trees

Hazelnut trees can be propagated from seeds or by purchasing bare-root or container-grown trees. Planting bare-root trees is best done in early spring before the buds break, while container-grown trees can be planted throughout the growing season.

Planting Bare-Root Trees:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
2. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to encourage root growth.
3. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the graft union is above the soil line.
4. Backfill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down around the roots.
5. Water the tree thoroughly.

Planting Container-Grown Trees:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
2. Carefully remove the tree from the container, loosening any roots that are circling the pot.
3. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
4. Backfill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down around the roots.
5. Water the tree thoroughly.

Watering and Fertilizing

Hazelnut trees require regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. During periods of drought, provide supplemental watering to prevent the soil from becoming excessively dry.

Fertilize your hazelnut trees in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of nut production.

Pollination and Fruiting

Hazelnut trees are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female flowers. For fruit production, you need at least one male tree and one female tree. Male trees produce catkins, which release pollen, while female trees produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are pollinated by the wind.

If you have limited space, you can choose self-fertile varieties, which have both male and female flowers on the same tree. However, self-fertile varieties may not produce as many nuts as cross-pollinated varieties.

Pruning and Maintenance

Hazelnut trees require minimal pruning. Prune in late winter or early spring before the buds break. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. You can also prune to shape the tree and encourage branching.

Harvesting and Storing Hazelnuts

Hazelnut trees typically begin producing nuts within 3-5 years after planting. The nuts mature in late summer or early fall, depending on the variety and climate. When the husks turn brown and begin to split open, the nuts are ready for harvest.

To harvest hazelnuts, simply shake the branches or use a pole to knock the nuts off the tree. Once harvested, spread the nuts out in a single layer in a cool, dry place to dry for a few weeks. Once dried, store the nuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Enjoying Your Homegrown Hazelnuts

After all your hard work, you’ll be rewarded with delicious, fresh hazelnuts. Enjoy them straight from the shell or use them in a variety of recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes.

The Sweet Success of Your Hazelnut Harvest: A Toast to Your Labor

Growing your own hazelnuts is not only a rewarding experience but also a delicious way to connect with nature. From choosing the right variety to harvesting your own bounty, every step of the journey brings you closer to the satisfaction of enjoying fresh, homegrown nuts.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: How long does it take for a hazelnut tree to produce nuts?

A: Hazelnut trees typically begin producing nuts within 3-5 years after planting. However, some varieties may take longer to mature.

Q: Can I grow hazelnuts in a pot?

A: While it’s possible to grow hazelnuts in a pot, they will require a large container and regular fertilization to thrive.

Q: What are some common pests and diseases of hazelnut trees?

A: Common pests include aphids, mites, and scale insects. Diseases include leaf blight, powdery mildew, and eastern filbert blight.

Q: How do I prevent eastern filbert blight?

A: Eastern filbert blight is a serious fungal disease that can kill hazelnut trees. To prevent it, choose blight-resistant varieties and prune out infected branches.

Q: What are the benefits of growing hazelnuts?

A: Hazelnut trees provide a variety of benefits, including delicious and nutritious nuts, beautiful foliage, and a natural habitat for wildlife.