Growing Hazelnut Trees: A Beginner's Guide

Hazelnut trees are becoming increasingly popular among gardeners and farmers as they offer a variety of benefits from producing delicious nuts to serving as windbreakers or erosion control. However, growing hazelnut trees require a certain level of knowledge and care. In this article, we will guide you through the process of growing hazelnut trees from planting to harvesting.

Choosing the Right Site

The first step in growing hazelnut trees is choosing the right location. Hazelnut trees thrive in areas with mild winters and cool summers, making them perfect for regions like the Pacific Northwest, Northeastern United States, and parts of Canada. Additionally, hazelnut trees prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

When selecting a site, it is important to consider factors such as sun exposure, soil type, and water availability. Hazelnut trees require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce a good crop. Therefore, it is essential to choose a site that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

Another crucial factor to consider is soil type. Hazelnut trees grow best in loamy soil that is well-draining and has a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. If your soil is not naturally well-draining, you can improve it by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure.

Planting Hazelnut Trees

Once you have selected the right site, it is time to plant your hazelnut trees. Hazelnut trees are usually sold as bare-rooted saplings or potted plants. Bare-rooted saplings should be planted in early spring before the buds break, while potted plants can be planted anytime during the growing season.

When planting hazelnut trees, make sure the hole is deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them. Spread the roots out evenly and cover them with soil. It is important not to bury the stem or graft union, which is the point where the scion (top part of the tree) is grafted onto the rootstock. Water the tree thoroughly after planting.

Caring for Hazelnut Trees

After planting, caring for hazelnut trees involves regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Hazelnut trees require about one inch of water per week, especially during dry spells. You can also add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing.

Fertilizing hazelnut trees is also important, especially during their first few years of growth. You can use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins, and again in late spring or early summer.

Pruning hazelnut trees is necessary to promote healthy growth and maximize nut production. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any damaged or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. Leave only four to six main trunks or scaffolding branches, and remove all other branches.

Harvesting Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are ready for harvest in late summer or early fall, usually around September or October. You can tell if the nuts are ripe by shaking the branches gently and checking if the nuts fall off easily. Alternatively, you can open one or two nuts to check if the kernel is fully developed.

To harvest the nuts, spread a tarp or blanket under the tree and shake the branches vigorously. Collect the nuts and remove any debris or leaves. Dry the nuts in a cool, dry place for several weeks until the shells turn brown and the kernels rattle inside.

A hazelnut tree with ripe nuts

Growing hazelnut trees can be both rewarding and challenging. However, with the right knowledge and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious nuts. Remember to choose the right site, plant the trees correctly, provide adequate care, and harvest the nuts at the right time. Happy growing!

: Hazelnut cultivation, Hazelnut farming, Hazelnut orchard, Nut-bearing trees