Hazelnut trees are a delicious and rewarding addition to any yard or orchard. Their sweet, nutty hazelnuts are a tasty treat, and the trees themselves are attractive with their heart-shaped leaves and catkin flowers. Propagating hazelnut trees yourself by growing them from seed is a fun project for any gardener and allows you to enjoy fresh homegrown nuts.
Overview of Growing Hazelnut Trees
Hazelnuts also called filberts are the nuts of the Corylus genus of trees and shrubs. Common species used for edible nuts include the American hazelnut (Corylus americana), European hazelnut (Corylus avellana), beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), and Turkish hazelnut (Corylus colurna).
Hazelnuts are self-incompatible, meaning a single tree cannot pollinate itself Planting at least two compatible varieties ensures cross-pollination and a bountiful nut harvest Growers often incorporate mulches and windbreaks to help conserve moisture and protect the trees. It takes about 4-5 years after planting for hazelnut trees to begin bearing nuts. With proper care, they can produce for over 40 years.
How to Grow Hazelnut Trees from Seed
Growing hazelnut trees from seed follows a simple process, though it does require patience as trees take several years to mature and bear nuts. Here are the key steps:
Gathering and Preparing Seeds
-
Harvest hazelnuts when ripe in early fall Look for tan husks and nuts that easily separate,
-
Soak nuts overnight, then remove husks and floating seeds. Only sinkers will grow well.
-
Mix shelled nuts with equal parts sand to separate for stratifying.
Stratifying Seeds
-
Place seed/sand mix in pots, add drainage layer, cover with sand.
-
Store pots outdoors or in fridge over winter (3-4 months) to stratify.
-
Check for sprouted seeds in late winter.
Planting and Germination
-
In late winter, sow pretreated seeds in pots or beds 2-3 inches deep.
-
Protect from animals with wire mesh until established at 15 inches tall.
Caring for Seedlings
-
Keep beds/pots moist, weed-free, and fertilized for vigorous growth.
-
Leave undisturbed for 2 years before transplanting.
-
Re-pot as needed to avoid root binding.
Transplanting Hazelnut Trees
-
After 2-3 years, transplant to permanent location in fall or spring.
-
Prepare hole slightly wider than root ball, replant at same depth.
-
Allow 2 more years growth before coppicing for nut production.
Tips for Growing Strong Hazelnut Trees
Follow these tips for successfully raising robust hazelnut trees from seedlings:
-
Choose a spot with full sun exposure and nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Avoid frost pockets.
-
Space trees 15-20 feet apart for good air circulation and harvest access.
-
Water young trees regularly, especially during dry periods. Mature trees are quite drought-tolerant.
-
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring to support growth. Avoid excess nitrogen.
-
Prune actively in first years to shape the tree. Allow 6-10 main scaffold branches.
-
Mulch around trees to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid mulch touching trunks.
-
Control pests like aphids by releasing ladybugs or spraying insecticidal soap.
Caring for Mature Hazelnut Trees
Once established, hazelnut trees require minimal care:
-
Fertilize in early spring with an organic fruit tree blend.
-
Prune annually to remove dead/damaged branches and improve airflow.
-
Harvest nuts promptly when ripe and store properly to maintain quality.
-
Coppice trees every 8-10 years to rejuvenate and increase nut production.
-
Monitor for diseases like Eastern Filbert Blight and treat promptly. Select resistant varieties.
-
Protect developing nuts from birds/rodents with netting and rake/pick up fallen nuts promptly.
Storing and Enjoying Your Hazelnut Harvest
Hazelnuts are a delicious culinary treat. Follow these guidelines for storing and using your hazelnut harvest:
-
Allow freshly picked nuts to dry in a single layer for 2-3 days.
-
Store dried, shelled nuts in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer.
-
Roast hazelnuts at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to bring out the flavor.
-
Add roasted nuts to cookies, granola, salads, and more for a nutty crunch.
-
Process shelled nuts into nut butter or flour using a food processor.
-
Candy hazelnuts by boiling with sugar and baking until crispy.
With the right care and patience, it is highly rewarding to grow your own hazelnut trees from seed. In just a few years, you’ll be Harvesting buckets of delicious homegrown hazelnuts to enjoy.
Growing Hazelnut Trees from Seed – Step-by-step guide
FAQ
Do you need 2 hazelnut trees to get nuts?
-
GrowVeg.comhttps://www.growveg.comA Guide to Growing Your Own Hazelnuts – GrowVeg.comNov 13, 2014 — How to Care For Hazelnuts. Hazelnuts prefer soil that’s well drained and fairly low in nutrients; overly rich soil gives plenty of leaf growth at th…
How long do hazelnut seeds take to germinate?
Water evenly and regularly. GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 60-75 days.
Are hazelnut trees hard to grow?
The native hazelnut tree is adaptable and easy to grow; but, it took many generations of hybridizing to generate native trees with large tasty nuts.
Do hazelnuts need cold stratification?
In late November, the nuts are soaked for two to four days in water then stratified in moist vermiculite at 4oC for three to five months. After three months the seeds are warmed for 5 days and those with visible root tips are planted in flats in the greenhouse. Ungerminated seeds receive further stratification.
Can you grow hazelnuts from seed?
Those nuts require cold stratification (a season spent in chilly, damp soil) to germinate. Corylus cultivars don’t come true from seed, so don’t expect the nuts produced by your seedlings to look exactly the same as the nuts you planted. Supermarket hazelnuts probably will have been dried before sale, which can send them into deeper dormancy.
How do you grow a hazelnut tree?
Fill 1-gallon pots with a lightweight sterilized potting mix. Because at least two hazelnut trees are required for cross-pollination, sow at least four or five seeds to ensure nut production in case some do not germinate. Sow the seeds about 1 to 2 inches deep or the equivalent of twice the diameter of the seed.
How long does a hazelnut tree take to grow?
However, when hazelnut trees are propagated from grafts or purchased as young trees from nurseries, the wait time for the first nut harvest can be significantly reduced. In these cases, growers might start seeing nut production in as little as 4 to 5 years. It’s important to note that the yield of nuts increases as the tree matures.