European Hazelnut

What you'll need:

European Hazelnut seeds, seedlings, or young trees (you can find these at nurseries or garden centers)

A large pot or a spacious area in your yard/garden

Good-quality soil that drains well – mix in some compost for extra nutrients if needed

Mulch (like wood chips or straw) to help keep the soil moist

• Stakes and ties (if planting a young tree)

When to start:

The best time to plant hazelnuts is in early spring or fall when the weather is cool but not freezing. If you're starting with seeds, it’s better to plant them in the fall so they can naturally germinate over the winter.

Finding a good spot:

Hazelnuts like full sun but can handle a bit of shade too. They need space because they grow into bushes or small trees. Choose a location where the plant will have enough room to spread out (around 10-15 feet between plants). Make sure the soil doesn’t stay soggy; hazelnuts don’t like waterlogged roots.

Tip: If you live in an area with strong winds, consider planting near a fence or wall for protection.

If using seeds:

1. Soak the seeds in water overnight before planting.
2. Dig a hole about 2 inches deep in a pot or in the ground.
3. Place the seed in the hole and cover it with soil.
4. Water lightly and keep the soil moist until the seed sprouts (this could take several weeks).
5. Once the seedling grows a few inches tall, you can transplant it to its permanent spot.

If using seedlings or young trees:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
2. Gently place the seedling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
3. Backfill the hole with soil and press down gently to remove air pockets.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.
5. If the tree seems wobbly, use stakes to support it for the first year.

Pro Tip: Space multiple hazelnut plants about 10-15 feet apart to allow for proper growth and pollination.

Watering:

• Water regularly during the first year to help the plant establish itself (about once a week unless it rains).
• After the first year, hazelnuts are pretty drought-tolerant, but they still appreciate watering during long dry spells.
• Always water deeply, so the moisture reaches the roots.

Feeding:

• Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to give the plant a boost.
• Adding compost or organic matter around the base of the plant every year will also provide nutrients.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant.

Pruning:

• Prune in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant.
• Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to encourage healthy growth.
• You can also shape the plant by trimming back overly long branches.

Pollination:

• Hazelnuts are self-pollinating, but having two or more plants nearby improves nut production.
• Plant different varieties if possible to increase cross-pollination chances.

Weed Control:

• Keep the area around your hazelnut free of weeds by adding mulch.
• This reduces competition for nutrients and water while keeping the soil moist.

When to harvest:

• Hazelnuts are usually ready to harvest in late summer to early fall (August to October), depending on your climate.
• You’ll know they’re ready when the outer husks turn brown and start to split open, revealing the nut inside.
• Sometimes the nuts will fall to the ground on their own – this is a good sign they’re ripe!

How to harvest:

1. Spread a tarp or cloth under the plant to catch falling nuts.
2. Shake the branches gently or pick the nuts directly from the tree.
3. Collect any nuts that have already fallen on the ground.
4. Remove the outer husks if they’re still attached.

Drying & Storing:

• Let the nuts dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks.
• Store dried hazelnuts in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
• They should last for several months, or you can freeze them for longer storage.

Tip: Roasting hazelnuts brings out their flavor – try roasting them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes!

Q: Why are my hazelnuts empty inside?

A: This could be due to poor pollination. Try planting another hazelnut tree nearby to improve cross-pollination. Weather conditions, like frost during flowering, can also affect nut development.

Q: Do hazelnuts need a lot of water?

A: Not really! Once established, hazelnuts are quite drought-tolerant. However, regular watering during dry periods (especially in the first year) helps them thrive.

Q: Can I grow hazelnuts in containers?

A: Yes, but only when they’re young. Hazelnuts eventually grow into large bushes or small trees, so they’ll outgrow pots. If you must grow them in containers, choose a dwarf variety and repot regularly.

Q: My hazelnut leaves are turning yellow – what’s wrong?

A: Yellowing leaves could mean overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule. Adding compost or fertilizer may help.

Q: How long does it take for hazelnuts to produce nuts?

A: Patience is key here! Hazelnuts typically start producing nuts 3-5 years after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.