Hazelnut Tree Care Guide: How to Grow Hazelnut Trees

Carson Le
May 8, 2024
9:15 am

The hazelnut tree, also known as Corylus avellana or filbert, is a diminutive tree or shrub indigenous to Europe and Western Asia, yielding delectable hazelnuts.

Introduction

The hazelnut tree, scientifically named Corylus avellana, is a charming deciduous tree native to Europe and Western Asia. It typically grows as a small tree or shrub, adorned with serrated green leaves that turn a vibrant yellow in the fall. In early spring, it bears inconspicuous yellow catkins that later develop into delicious hazelnuts enclosed in a protective husk. Hazelnut trees are prized not only for their tasty nuts but also for their ornamental value in gardens and landscapes, providing both beauty and bounty to those who cultivate them.

Exploring 6 Varieties of Hazelnut Trees

Hazelnut trees come in various cultivars, each offering unique characteristics suited to different climates and preferences. Some popular varieties include:

Barcelona: Renowned for its high yields and excellent flavor, Barcelona hazelnuts are commonly grown in regions with mild climates.
Ennis: This variety is valued for its resistance to Eastern Filbert Blight, a common hazelnut disease, making it a preferred choice for growers in affected areas.
Jefferson: Known for its large nuts and high productivity, Jefferson hazelnuts are favored by commercial growers and home gardeners alike.
Tonda di Giffoni: Originating from Italy, this cultivar produces small to medium-sized nuts with a rich, sweet flavor, making it ideal for culinary uses.
Tonda Gentile delle Langhe: Another Italian variety prized for its large, flavorful nuts, often used in confectionery and pastry making.
Eta: Developed in Oregon, USA, Eta hazelnuts are notable for their resistance to Eastern Filbert Blight and suitability for mechanical harvesting.

These are just a few examples of the diverse hazelnut varieties available, each offering distinct qualities to meet the needs of growers and consumers worldwide.

How to Grow and Care for Hazelnut Tree

Growing and caring for hazelnut trees requires attention to several key factors to ensure their health and productivity:

Site Selection: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Hazelnut trees prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around 6.0 to 7.0).
Planting: Plant hazelnut trees in late winter or early spring while they are still dormant. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Space multiple trees about 15-20 feet apart to allow for adequate growth.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the tree’s first few years of establishment. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Hazelnut trees benefit from annual fertilization, particularly with nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Follow the specific recommendations for your tree’s age and size.
Pruning: Prune hazelnut trees during the dormant season to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This encourages healthy growth and improves air circulation within the canopy. Additionally, hazelnut trees can be trained to a central leader or open vase shape for better nut production.
Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, mites, and hazelnut weevils, and promptly address any infestations. Monitor for diseases like Eastern Filbert Blight and take preventive measures such as selecting resistant varieties and maintaining good sanitation practices.
Pollination: Hazelnut trees are usually wind-pollinated, but having multiple cultivars nearby can improve pollination and fruit set. Consider planting compatible varieties to ensure adequate cross-pollination.
Harvesting: Hazelnuts typically ripen in late summer to early fall. Harvest when the nuts have turned from green to brown, and the husks begin to crack open. Collect nuts promptly to prevent spoilage or predation by wildlife.

By providing proper care and attention, hazelnut trees can thrive and reward growers with a bountiful harvest of delicious nuts for years to come.

6 Steps for Propagating Hazelnut Tree

Propagating hazelnut trees can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, rooting hardwood cuttings, and grafting. Here are the steps for each method:

Seed Propagation:
1. Collect hazelnuts from healthy, mature trees in the fall when the nuts have ripened.
2. Remove the husks and wash the nuts thoroughly.
3. Stratify the nuts by placing them in a container filled with moist peat moss or sand, then storing them in a refrigerator for 2-4 months. This cold treatment helps break dormancy.
4. After stratification, sow the nuts in well-draining soil outdoors in late winter or early spring, about 2 inches deep.
5. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade until seedlings emerge, which may take several weeks to several months.
Rooting Hardwood Cuttings:
1. Take hardwood cuttings from healthy, disease-free hazelnut trees during the dormant season in late fall to early spring.
2. Select straight, pencil-thick branches and cut them into 6-8 inch sections, making sure each cutting has at least two nodes.
3. Dip the bottom end of each cutting in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
4. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining propagation medium such as sand or perlite, burying two-thirds of the cutting below the surface.
5. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment with indirect light and maintain soil moisture.
6. Roots should develop over the next several weeks to months. Transplant the rooted cuttings into individual pots once they show signs of new growth.
Grafting:
1. Collect scion wood from desired hazelnut cultivars during the dormant season. Scion wood should be taken from 1-year-old shoots with several buds.
2. Prepare rootstock by selecting healthy, disease-free hazelnut seedlings or established trees.
3. Make a diagonal cut on both the scion wood and rootstock, ensuring that the cuts match up for proper alignment.
4. Join the scion and rootstock together using a grafting technique such as whip-and-tongue or cleft grafting.
5. Secure the graft union with grafting tape or rubber bands and apply grafting wax to seal the cut surfaces and prevent moisture loss.
6. Keep the grafted trees in a protected environment with consistent moisture and temperature until the grafts have healed and new growth appears.

Propagation of hazelnut trees can be challenging, but with patience and proper technique, you can successfully propagate new trees to expand your orchard or share with others.

8 Benefits of Hazelnut Tree

The hazelnut tree offers numerous benefits, both ecological and practical, making it a valuable addition to landscapes and agricultural systems:

Nut Production: Hazelnut trees produce delicious and nutritious nuts that are rich in protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals. These nuts are not only enjoyed as a tasty snack but are also used in culinary creations such as chocolates, spreads, and baked goods.
Erosion Control: The deep root system of hazelnut trees helps stabilize soil, reducing erosion and preventing landslides. Planting hazelnut trees on slopes or in areas prone to erosion can help mitigate environmental degradation.
Wildlife Habitat: Hazelnut trees provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species. Birds, squirrels, and other small mammals feed on the nuts, while the tree’s branches offer shelter and nesting sites.
Carbon Sequestration: Like all trees, hazelnut trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store carbon in their biomass. By planting hazelnut trees, individuals and communities can contribute to carbon sequestration efforts, helping mitigate climate change.
Agroforestry Potential: Hazelnut trees can be integrated into agroforestry systems, where they provide multiple benefits alongside other crops or livestock. For example, hazelnut orchards can serve as windbreaks, provide shade for understory crops, and offer additional income streams for farmers.
Soil Improvement: As deciduous trees, hazelnuts shed their leaves annually, contributing organic matter to the soil as they decompose. This organic matter improves soil structure, fertility, and moisture retention, enhancing overall soil health.
Aesthetic Value: Hazelnut trees add beauty to landscapes with their graceful form, attractive foliage, and decorative catkins. Whether grown in orchards, gardens, or naturalized settings, hazelnut trees enhance the visual appeal of their surroundings.
Economic Opportunities: Commercial hazelnut cultivation can provide economic benefits to growers and local economies. Hazelnut production creates jobs in farming, processing, and marketing, while the sale of hazelnut products contributes to regional economies.

Overall, the hazelnut tree offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable asset for individuals, communities, and the environment alike.

Common Pests

Hazelnut trees can be susceptible to various pests that can damage foliage, reduce nut yields, and compromise tree health. Some common pests that affect hazelnut trees include:

Filbertworm (Cydia latiferreana): The filbertworm is a moth whose larvae feed on hazelnut kernels within the husk, leading to reduced nut quality and yield.
Filbert Weevil (Curculio occidentis): Adult filbert weevils feed on hazelnut buds and leaves, while the larvae bore into developing nuts, causing damage and reducing yields.
Eastern Filbert Blight (Anisogramma anomala): While not a pest in the traditional sense, Eastern Filbert Blight is a fungal disease that affects hazelnut trees, causing cankers on branches and eventually leading to dieback and decline.
Aphids: Several species of aphids can infest hazelnut trees, sucking sap from leaves and stems and causing stunted growth, leaf distortion, and the secretion of honeydew, which can attract other pests like ants and sooty mold.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on hazelnut leaves, causing stippling, discoloration, and eventually leaf drop. Severe infestations can weaken the tree and reduce nut production.
Hazelnut Bud Mite (Phytoptus avellanae): Bud mites feed on hazelnut buds and shoots, causing them to become distorted and stunted. Infested buds may fail to develop properly, leading to reduced nut yields.
Leafrollers: Leafroller caterpillars feed on hazelnut leaves, rolling them up and feeding inside the rolled leaves. Severe infestations can defoliate trees and impact nut production.
Hazelnut Moth (Cydia coniferana): The larvae of the hazelnut moth feed on hazelnut kernels within the husk, causing damage and reducing nut quality and yield.

Effective pest management strategies for hazelnut trees may include cultural practices such as pruning, sanitation, and proper irrigation, as well as the use of insecticidal sprays or biological controls when necessary. Regular monitoring for pests and diseases is essential for early detection and intervention to protect hazelnut trees and ensure optimal yields.

Common Problems

Hazelnut trees may encounter various problems that can affect their growth, health, and productivity. Some common issues include:

Eastern Filbert Blight (Anisogramma anomala): This fungal disease is one of the most serious threats to hazelnut trees. It causes cankers to form on branches, leading to dieback, reduced nut production, and eventually tree death if left untreated.
Nut Rot: Various fungal pathogens can infect hazelnut kernels, causing them to rot and become unusable. Wet weather and poor air circulation can exacerbate this problem.
Poor Pollination: Hazelnut trees are wind-pollinated, so inadequate airflow or lack of compatible pollen sources can lead to poor pollination and reduced nut set. Planting multiple cultivars with overlapping bloom times can help improve pollination success.
Nut Drop: Nut drop, where immature nuts fall prematurely from the tree, can occur due to factors such as poor pollination, water stress, or nutrient deficiencies. Proper irrigation and fertilization can help mitigate this issue.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Hazelnut trees may exhibit symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or poor fruit development. Soil testing and appropriate fertilization can address nutrient imbalances.
Pest Infestations: Hazelnut trees are susceptible to various pests, including aphids, mites, weevils, and caterpillars, which can feed on foliage, buds, or nuts and cause damage. Regular monitoring and timely pest management interventions are essential for controlling infestations.
Water Stress: Hazelnut trees require adequate moisture, especially during periods of active growth and nut development. Drought stress can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced nut yields. Mulching and supplemental irrigation can help maintain soil moisture levels.
Sunburn: Hazelnut trees can suffer from sunburn, particularly on young or newly transplanted trees, if exposed to intense sunlight. Protecting trees with shade cloth or providing temporary shade can prevent sunburn damage.
Root Rot: Excessive moisture or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot diseases, which can cause root decay and decline in hazelnut trees. Improving soil drainage and avoiding overwatering can help prevent root rot.
Winter Injury: Hazelnut trees may experience damage from winter cold, particularly in regions with harsh winters. Wrapping young trees with burlap or other protective materials can help prevent frost damage to bark and buds.

Regular inspection, proper cultural practices, and prompt management of any problems that arise are crucial for maintaining the health and vitality of hazelnut trees.

FAQs

When is the best time to plant hazelnut trees?
The best time to plant hazelnut trees is in late winter or early spring while the trees are still dormant. This allows them to establish roots before the growing season begins.
How much space do hazelnut trees need?
Hazelnut trees should be spaced about 15-20 feet apart to allow for adequate growth and airflow. This spacing helps prevent overcrowding and allows the trees to reach their full potential.
Do hazelnut trees require pruning?
Yes, hazelnut trees benefit from pruning to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches and to shape the tree for optimal growth and nut production. Pruning is typically done during the dormant season.
How long does it take for hazelnut trees to bear fruit?
Hazelnut trees usually begin producing nuts after about 3-4 years, but full production may not be reached until the trees are 7-10 years old. Patience is required as the trees establish and mature.
Do hazelnut trees require cross-pollination?
While some hazelnut varieties are self-fertile, cross-pollination with another compatible variety usually results in higher nut yields. Planting multiple cultivars with overlapping bloom times can improve pollination success.
How do I protect hazelnut trees from pests and diseases?
Regular monitoring for pests and diseases is essential. Cultural practices such as proper irrigation, fertilization, and pruning can help keep trees healthy and more resistant to pests and diseases. In severe cases, insecticidal sprays or fungicides may be necessary.
How do I harvest hazelnuts?
Hazelnuts are typically harvested in late summer to early fall when the nuts have turned from green to brown, and the husks begin to crack open. Nuts can be collected by hand or shaken from the tree onto a tarp or cloth spread beneath the canopy.
Can hazelnut trees grow in containers?
While hazelnut trees prefer to be planted in the ground, dwarf or patio varieties can be grown in large containers. Ensure the container has adequate drainage and provide regular water and nutrients for optimal growth.
What are some uses for hazelnuts besides eating them raw?
Hazelnuts are versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary applications, including baking, cooking, and making spreads such as hazelnut butter or Nutella. They can also be roasted and seasoned for snacking or added to salads and desserts for flavor and texture.
Are hazelnut trees environmentally friendly?
Yes, hazelnut trees offer various environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration, erosion control, wildlife habitat, and soil improvement. Additionally, they can be integrated into sustainable agricultural practices such as agroforestry systems.

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