How to Grow Hazelnuts: Essential Tips for Successful Cultivation
How to Grow Hazelnuts?
To grow hazelnuts, choose an open site with well-drained soil and low nutrient levels.
Plant hazelnuts in groups to enhance pollination.
Hazelnuts can be grown as bushy shrubs and pruned to a manageable size.
If space allows, planting a small orchard of hazelnuts is recommended.
Hazelnut trees should be planted about 15 feet apart, and a variety of trees should be planted together for maximum pollination.
Prune hazelnut trees in winter by removing a third of the oldest growth and thinning out overcrowded areas.
Harvest hazelnuts in the fall when husks have yellowed, and store them in a dry, airy place.
To prevent squirrel damage, monitor and pick nuts before they are taken.
Dry the nuts by spreading them out on trays and turning them regularly.
Hazelnuts are ready to be eaten with or without their shells.
Key Points:
- Choose an open site with well-drained soil and low nutrient levels.
- Plant hazelnuts in groups for better pollination.
- Hazelnuts can be pruned and grown as bushy shrubs.
- Plant hazelnut trees about 15 feet apart for optimal pollination.
- Prune hazelnut trees in winter by removing a third of the oldest growth and thinning out overcrowded areas.
- Harvest hazelnuts in the fall when husks have yellowed, and store them in a dry, airy place.
Did You Know?
1. Hazelnut trees are monoecious, meaning they have both male and female flowers on the same tree. However, cross-pollination is required for optimal nut production.
2. Hazelnuts have been cultivated for over 9,000 years and were enjoyed by ancient civilizations, such as the Romans and Greeks, for their rich flavor and nutritional value.
3. Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts globally, accounting for approximately 75% of the world’s total production. Other significant producers include Italy, the United States, and Azerbaijan.
4. Hazelnuts have a high concentration of antioxidants, specifically vitamin E. Consuming hazelnuts can help reduce oxidative stress in the body and support overall health.
5. Nutella, the popular hazelnut and chocolate spread, was created during World War II when a shortage of cocoa led Italian baker Pietro Ferrero to blend ground hazelnuts with a small amount of cocoa and other ingredients to stretch his chocolate supply.
Introduction To Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts, also known as common hazel, filbert, or European hazel, are considered one of the easiest nuts to grow. They belong to the Corylus family, which includes cobnuts and filberts. These versatile trees produce yellow catkins in late winter or early spring, which are the male parts of the plant containing pollen for fertilizing the female flowers. Hazelnuts prefer open sites as they are wind-pollinated, making them an excellent choice for gardens with ample space.
One of the key advantages of growing hazelnuts is their hardiness. These trees can withstand wet and cold winters, making them suitable for various climates. Certain hazelnut varieties may even possess unique attributes, such as twisted stems or purple-husked nuts. In terms of soil requirements, hazelnuts thrive in well-drained soil with low nutrient levels. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Growing Hazelnuts: Site And Soil Requirements
When it comes to growing hazelnuts, selecting the right site and soil is crucial. These trees prefer open, sunny areas with at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be rich and well-drained, with a slightly acidic pH between 6.3 and 6.8.
It’s important to provide sufficient space for hazelnut trees as they should be planted about 4 meters apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
In terms of soil composition, hazelnuts can adapt to various soil types but prefer sandy loams that drain well. Proper drainage is essential to prevent waterlogged roots, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Additionally, hazelnuts require regular watering and cannot tolerate extended periods of drought. So, it is important to ensure the soil is consistently moist.
Planting And Pollination Tips
To ensure successful pollination, it is recommended to plant hazelnuts in groups or small orchards. Planting multiple trees in close proximity enhances pollination potential, resulting in more abundant crops. Additionally, planting a variety of hazelnut trees together promotes better pollination and nut set. It is crucial to check for pollinator compatibility to ensure cross-pollination between different varieties.
Plant hazelnut trees during dormancy in late fall or early spring. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the root system and gently place the tree in the hole. Fill the hole with soil, tamp it down gently, and consider using a mesh tree guard for protection from wildlife. However, hazelnut trees do not require staking.
Pruning And Care Of Hazelnut Trees
Proper pruning is important for maintaining the health and productivity of hazelnut trees. Pruning should be done during winter, when the tree is dormant. Start by removing about one-third of the oldest growth, focusing on thinning out overcrowded areas. Crossing branches should be cut back to direct growth in the desired direction. However, young, twig-like growth should be left intact.
It is also important to remove suckers, which are stems growing directly from the roots. Removing suckers helps prevent dense growth and ensures the energy of the tree is directed towards producing nuts rather than excessive foliage. However, if you are using the hazelnut tree for wildlife purposes, you may choose to leave the sucker growth.
- Proper pruning is vital for maintaining the health and productivity of hazelnut trees.
- Pruning should be done in winter when the tree is dormant.
- Start by removing one-third of the oldest growth to thin out overcrowded areas.
- Cut back crossing branches to direct growth in the desired direction.
- Leave young, twig-like growth intact.
- Remove suckers to prevent dense growth and redirect the tree’s energy towards producing nuts. However, consider leaving sucker growth if using the hazelnut tree for wildlife purposes.
“Removing suckers helps prevent dense growth and ensures the energy of the tree is directed towards producing nuts rather than excessive foliage.”
Harvesting And Storing Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are ready to be harvested in the fall when the husks have turned yellow. There are two main ways to harvest hazelnuts. You can either pick them directly from the tree or shake the tree gently, causing the nuts to fall onto a tarpaulin or other catchment material.
Once harvested, it is crucial to store hazelnuts properly for long-term enjoyment. Drying the nuts is an essential step in the storage process. Spread the nuts out on trays and turn them every few days to ensure even drying. Once they are dry, the papery husks can be scraped away, and the nuts can be stored with or without their shells.
Store the hazelnuts in a dry, airy place, preferably in crates, nets, cloth bags, or slatted boxes. Proper storage will help maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage.
Common Hazelnut Varieties And Potential Pests
There are several common hazelnut varieties that are popular for cross-pollination. These include ‘Jefferson’, ‘McDonald’, ‘PollyO’, ‘Webster’, and ‘Yamhill’. European hazelnuts require cross-pollination with at least two different varieties to ensure the best nut production.
While hazelnut trees are relatively resilient, they can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Eastern filbert blight is the most common serious issue that affects European hazelnuts. This fungal disease can damage trees and reduce nut production. Pests that may affect hazelnuts include scales and Japanese beetles. Regular monitoring and appropriate pest control measures should be taken to protect the trees and ensure bountiful harvests.
Growing hazelnuts can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With proper site selection, soil preparation, and care, you can cultivate these versatile and delicious nuts in your garden or small orchard. By following the essential tips discussed, you can successfully grow hazelnuts and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do hazelnuts take to grow?
The journey from hazelnut tree to harvest is surprisingly swift, with hazelnuts typically maturing within three to five years. These hardy trees offer a straightforward cultivation process, requiring less space compared to other nut trees. Delighting taste buds with their delectable sweetness, hazelnuts bestow their bountiful harvests upon us each delightful summer.
Can you grow hazelnuts from hazelnuts?
Yes, you can successfully grow hazelnuts from hazelnuts themselves. To start, gently press the hazelnut seeds into the soil, making sure they are firmly embedded either by rolling them or using a large flat board. Afterward, it is crucial to cover the bed with a layer of horticultural grit, which will provide an optimal growing environment. However, it is important to remain mindful of the presence of mice, as they have a strong affinity for hazelnuts and can quickly deplete your seedbed if not protected adequately.
Do hazelnuts grow true from seed?
No, hazelnuts do not grow true from seed due to the nature of their genetic variability. Like most nuts, planting hazelnut seeds does not guarantee that the desired genes will be preserved. To propagate hazelnuts and maintain specific genetic traits, it is more effective to increase the plant asexually, such as through root suckers from dormant plants. This method ensures the preservation and replication of desired characteristics, rather than relying on the genetic variability that comes with growing hazelnuts from seeds.
Are hazelnuts a profitable crop?
Hazelnuts have proven to be an exceptionally profitable crop, surpassing the income generated by annual grains, despite the initial 6-year waiting period before the trees yield a substantial harvest. This long-term investment pays off handsomely, as mature hazelnut trees can supply a significant quantity of nuts for several decades, creating a sustainable and lucrative stream of income. Moreover, with increasing demand for hazelnuts in various industries, such as chocolate and confectionery, the market outlook is promising, further enhancing the profitability of growing hazelnuts. Farmers who prioritize long-term gains and are willing to make the upfront investment can reap substantial financial rewards by cultivating hazelnuts.