The hazelnut tree, whose scientific name is Corylus, stands tall and proud. Its branches are full of bright green leaves that rustle in the wind and whisper ancient secrets. This tree is renowned for its medium-sized stature, reaching up to 20 feet, creating an enchanting forest canopy. The leaves are broad, heart-shaped, and exude a fresh, earthy aroma. In spring, it dons delicate catkins, showcasing nature’s artistry at its best. But the real treats are inside its branches: hazelnuts with a tough shell that hides their rich, buttery goodness.
Hazelnut trees, diverse in their traits, offer a fascinating array of types. The most common species include Corylus avellana, Corylus americana, and Corylus colurna. Each species possesses unique characteristics, from the size of the nuts to the shape of the leaves. Some hazelnut trees have smooth, silvery bark, while others have rough, textured bark that looks like ancient wisdom carved into wood. Nature has carefully shaped these trees, and each hazelnut tree is a proof of how amazing evolution is.
Hazelnut trees find their roots in various corners of the world. They flourish in North America, Europe, and Asia, adorning landscapes with lush foliage and bountiful nuts. Historically, hazelnuts have held significant cultural importance. In ancient Celtic culture, these nuts stood for knowledge and inspiration. In Greek mythology, they were often linked to divine knowledge. Native Americans revered hazelnuts for their nutritional value, incorporating them into their diets and medicinal practices. These cultural echoes can still be heard today, which makes hazelnut trees more than just beautiful plants; they also carry cultural history.
Apart from their cultural significance, hazelnut trees offer a plethora of practical uses. The nuts harvested from these trees serve as culinary delights, enriching dishes with their nutty flavor. These versatile nuts add a delicious crunch to many recipes, from sweet treats like chocolate hazelnut spread to healthy salads with roasted hazelnuts. Hazelnuts are also a good addition to a healthy diet because they are high in protein, healthy fats, and important nutrients. Because they taste great and are good for you, they are a favorite among people who care about their health.
In this guide, as a master gardener, I’ll share what I know about hazelnut trees, including their interesting traits, types, natural habitats, and useful uses. Get ready to explore the wonders of these remarkable trees and discover the secrets hidden within their branches.
Hazelnuts are a tasty and nutritious nut that can be grown right in your own backyard The American hazelnut (Corylus americana) is a small native tree that produces edible nuts and can be easily propagated from seed, Growing hazelnut trees from seed just takes a little patience and the right process,
Here is a step-by-step guide to successfully growing hazelnut trees from seed
Gathering and Preparing Hazelnut Seeds
The first step is collecting hazelnut seeds in the fall. Look for hazelnuts that are ripe and easy to remove from the outer husk. This indicates they are ready to be harvested. Carefully pick hazelnut clusters from branches or collect fallen nuts from the ground.
To prepare the seeds:
- Soak the nuts in water overnight to rehydrate.
- Remove the nuts from the husks. An easy way is to simply throw them in a bucket of water and scoop out the ones that sink – these are viable for growing. Discard any floaters.
- Mix the shelled nuts with an equal amount of horticultural sand. This helps separate them for even germination.
Stratifying the Seeds
Hazelnuts require cold stratification to break dormancy and germinate. To stratify:
- Place the seed/sand mixture in a pot. Add a drainage layer of rocks and cover with sand.
- Label the pot and store in a shady spot outside or in the fridge over winter. Keep moist but not saturated.
- Check pots in late winter. Seeds are ready to plant when the radicle emerges from the shell.
The cold period tricks the seeds into thinking they’ve been through winter, preparing them to sprout in spring. Stratification can take 3-4 months depending on temperatures.
Planting and Germination
Your pretreated hazelnut seeds are now ready to be sown in late winter/early spring when soil temperatures reach 50°F.
In pots: Plant 2 seeds per pot, 2-3 inches deep. Keep pots moist and in partial sun.
In seedbeds: Broadcast seeds 1 inch apart and press gently into soil. Cover with 2 inches of grit to deter animals. Expect 50% germination.
Protect newly planted seeds and seedlings from rodents and birds with wire mesh. Remove protection once seedlings are established at about 15 inches tall.
Caring for Hazelnut Seedlings
Hazelnut trees grow rapidly, potentially reaching 3-4 feet in their first year. Care for them as follows:
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Hazelnuts need consistent moisture.
- Weed beds and pots to prevent competition.
- Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer to encourage strong growth.
- Keep protected from wildlife until plants are established.
Leave seedlings undisturbed for 2 years before transplanting. Re-pot container plants as needed.
Transplanting Hazelnut Trees
After 2-3 years of growth, hazelnut trees are ready to be planted in their permanent location.
To transplant:
- Prepare site by removing grass/weeds and digging a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Carefully place the tree in the hole at the same depth as before and backfill soil.
- Water deeply and mulch around the base. Stake if needed.
For a coppiced hazelnut plantation, allow trees to grow another 2 years before cutting back to the ground to stimulate straight shoots.
Growing hazelnut trees from seed takes time but is a rewarding way to enjoy homegrown nuts. With the right process of harvesting, stratifying, planting, and care you’ll be harvesting buckets of hazelnuts within 5-8 years.
Harvesting and Storing Hazelnuts
Harvesting and storing hazelnuts is a delightful culmination of your efforts as a gardener. Timing and handling ensure the nuts reach their peak flavor and texture. Let’s explore the best practices for harvesting and storing these delectable treasures.
Harvesting hazelnuts at the right moment is essential for their flavor and quality. The nuts should be picked when they are fully grown but before they start falling off the tree on their own. Here are the steps for harvesting hazelnuts:
- Visual Signs:Observe the nuts for visual cues. When they are ready, hazelnuts will be golden brown and have a slightly wrinkled look. American hazelnuts ripen over six weeks in September and October.
- Shake the Branches: To get the ripe nuts to fall, gently shake the branches. Put down a tarp or a piece of cloth to catch the hazelnuts as they fall.
- Pick Up Any Leftover Nuts: After shaking the tree, look it over and pick up any mature nuts that didn’t fall.
- Test a Few Nuts: Crack open a few nuts to make sure the kernels are fully formed and that the shells are full. They should be plump and flavorful.
- Dry the Nuts: Spread the nuts out in a single layer in a well-ventilated area for a few days to let them dry out a bit. This will make it easier to take the shells off.
Proper storage is vital to maintain the freshness and flavor of hazelnuts over an extended period. People sometimes roast nuts and eat them or grind them into flour, but squirrels and birds also like to eat them. Here’s how to store hazelnuts effectively:
- Shell the Nuts: Take the hazelnuts’ shells off if you haven’t already. They can be opened with a nutcracker or by rubbing them in a towel to get the shells off.
- Choose a Container: To store the shelled hazelnuts, pick a container that won’t let air in, like a glass jar or a vacuum-sealed bag.
- Keep Them Cool: Keep the hazelnuts somewhere cool and dark, like the fridge or freezer is best. The lower temperatures help preserve their freshness and prevent rancidity.
- Avoid Light and Moisture: Make sure the container is airtight to keep light and moisture from affecting the nuts, as these can cause them to go bad.
- Label and Date: Don’t forget to write on the container what kind of hazelnuts are inside and when they were picked. This helps you keep track of freshness.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases for Hazelnut Tree
Eastern Filbert Blight is a fungal disease that poses a significant threat to hazelnut trees. It manifests as cankers on branches and trunks, eventually leading to wilting and dieback of affected parts. Keeping your hazelnut tree well-pruned and ensuring good air circulation can help minimize the risk. Also, choose resistant hazelnut varieties, which have demonstrated higher immunity against this destructive disease.
Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can infest hazelnut trees, causing distorted leaves and reduced growth. These persistent pests multiply rapidly, making early detection crucial. One natural way to combat aphids is by introducing ladybugs or lacewings, their natural predators. Alternatively, a strong blast of water can dislodge aphids from the leaves. Check your hazelnut tree often for signs of these tiny pests, and act quickly to stop a full-blown infestation.
Growing Hazelnut Trees from Seed – Step-by-step guide
FAQ
How long do hazelnut seeds take to germinate?
Do you need 2 hazelnut trees to get nuts?
Do hazelnuts need cold stratification?
How many years does it take for a hazelnut tree to produce fruit?
How do you fertilize a hazelnut tree?
The hazelnut prefers soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. You can fertilize the tree in the first year or two. However, feeding the tree in the third or fourth year might slow the nut production at the expense of foliage and stem growth. Most hazelnuts prefer cooler climates.
Can you grow hazelnuts from seed?
If growing hazelnuts from seed, plant them outdoors or indoors in the fall. Hazelnuts grow fairly quickly with a gain of 13–24 inches per year according to the Arbor Day Foundation. If you have the time, you can grow hazelnuts from seeds. Plant the nuts in a 6-inch pot filled with potting soil or outside in the garden at least 15-feet apart.
How to grow European hazelnuts?
For the best blooms and fruit production, give your tree an application of organic slow-release fruiting tree fertilizer in the fall. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions. If you want to grow European hazelnuts for their nuts, you need at least two different varieties of Corylus avellana to ensure cross-pollination.
How do you grow a hazelnut tree?
In terms of soil quality, the hazelnuts are adaptable but the soil needs to be rich and well-drained with a slightly acidic pH between 6.3 and 6.8 . Space the trees 15 to 18 feet apart. For planting, dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the J-shaped root system. Place a small amount of soil in the hole and spread out the roots.