American Hazelnut

Choosing the Right Spot

American Hazelnut is a hardy shrub that's perfect for beginners. It loves sunlight but can also handle some shade, so pick a spot in your yard that gets at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you're planting more than one, space them about 10-15 feet apart to give them room to grow.

Tip: American Hazelnuts are great for creating natural hedges or windbreaks if planted in a row.

Tools and Materials

Shovel or spade

Mulch (wood chips or straw works well)

Watering can or hose

• Young hazelnut saplings (available at nurseries or garden centers)
• Compost or well-rotted manure (optional but recommended)

Tip: You don’t need fancy tools—just something to dig with and water!

Timing

The best time to plant American Hazelnuts is in early spring or fall when the weather is cooler. This gives the roots time to settle before summer heat or winter cold sets in.

Tip: If the ground is frozen or too wet, wait until it dries out a bit.

1. Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your sapling. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole with your shovel.
2. Preparing the Soil: If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and nutrient content. This step helps the roots grow strong.
3. Placing the Sapling: Gently remove the sapling from its container. Place it in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
4. Filling the Hole: Backfill the hole with the soil you dug out, pressing down lightly to remove air pockets. Don’t pack the soil too tightly—it should be firm but not compacted.
5. Watering: Give the sapling a good drink of water right after planting. This helps settle the soil around the roots.
6. Mulching: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot.

Tip: Planting more than one American Hazelnut will increase pollination, leading to better nut production!

Sunlight Requirements

American Hazelnuts thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure they get at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily for the best growth.

Watering Method

• Water regularly during the first year to help the roots establish. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rain or your watering can.
• After the first year, they become more drought-tolerant, but it’s still good to water during long dry spells.

Tip: Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil. If it feels dry an inch down, it’s time to water.

Fertilizing Tips

• In early spring, sprinkle a balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) around the base of the plant, following the package instructions.
• Avoid over-fertilizing; once a year is usually enough.

Pruning

• Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
• Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and shape the shrub.

Tip: Regular pruning keeps the plant healthy and encourages more nut production.

When to Harvest

American Hazelnuts are typically ready to harvest in late summer to early fall, usually August through September. You'll know they’re ripe when:

• The husks start to turn brown and split open.
• Nuts easily fall off the branches when gently shaken.

How to Harvest

• Collect the nuts from the ground or gently shake the branches to loosen them.
• Remove the husks by hand or let them dry for a few days, which makes husking easier.

Storage

• Store the nuts in a cool, dry place to cure for a few weeks. This improves their flavor.
• Once cured, you can store them in airtight containers for several months.

Tip: Squirrels love hazelnuts, so keep an eye out and harvest promptly to avoid losing your crop!

1. Why are my hazelnuts empty inside?

Cause: Poor pollination or environmental stress.

Solution: Plant multiple shrubs to improve cross-pollination and ensure they get enough water and nutrients.

2. Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Could indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency.

Solution: Check soil moisture and adjust watering. Consider adding compost or fertilizer if needed.

3. Pests Eating My Nuts

Cause: Likely squirrels, birds, or insects.

Solution: Use netting to protect the nuts, especially as they ripen. Regularly check for signs of pests.

4. Slow Growth

Cause: Insufficient sunlight, poor soil, or lack of nutrients.

Solution: Ensure the plant gets enough sun, amend the soil with compost, and fertilize annually.

5. Branches Dying Back

Cause: Winter damage or disease.

Solution: Prune dead branches in early spring. Mulch around the base to protect roots from extreme temperatures.