Winter wouldn’t be complete without the rich flavor and satisfying crunch of hazelnuts. Whether baked with herbs, roasted over an open flame, or crushed over a decadent chocolate cake, they’re a delightful addition to any gathering. But hazelnuts are more than just a holiday treat – they’re also a nutritious source of protein that can be stored for extended periods. And beyond the plate, hazelnuts have practical applications as well.
The leaves and twigs can be used to create wattle fencing and basket weaving materials, while the nuts themselves have medicinal properties. One of the best things about growing hazelnuts is how easy it is – they’re a cinch to cultivate and produce quickly, allowing you to enjoy your first harvest in just a few short years. If you’re looking for a healthy, space-efficient option that won’t take up too much room in your garden, the humble hazelnut is an excellent choice.
We’ll provide guidance on getting started with hazelnuts and share tips on how to help them thrive.
Hazelnut Varieties
Hazelnuts are remarkably compact, typically growing between 12-18 feet in height and width, making them an ideal choice for those seeking manageable trees. One of the key benefits of hazelnut cultivation is that they don’t require extensive equipment or ladders to harvest, as the nuts readily fall off the tree. In fact, this makes it possible to collect your bounty with ease.
The plants produce sweet nuts in late summer and into fall, with a relatively short waiting period before you can start reaping the rewards – after just 3-5 years, hazelnuts begin bearing fruit, significantly faster than other nut varieties like walnuts (which take around 7-10 years to become productive) or pecans (which require ten or more years). Among our top picks are a selection of notable varieties.
Barcelona
In the Pacific Northwest, Barcelona is the leading cultivar, comprising approximately 60% of commercial plantings. Its popularity extends to home growers as well, who appreciate its bountiful yield of large, flavorful nuts. Nevertheless, this variety has one crucial requirement: a moderate amount of shade in areas with intense sunlight. As it grows to a height of around 18 feet, Barcelona nut trees typically ripen their harvests in August.
Daviana
When it comes to pairing with the Barcelona variety, the Daviana proves to be an excellent match due to its free-flowing cross-pollination capabilities. This particular strain stands out with its impressive height of 15 feet at maturity, and its ripening process takes place in August, making it a valuable addition to any garden.
American Hazelnut
Native to the eastern and midwestern regions of the United States, the American hazelnut is a hardy species that has adapted well to its environment. While some wild populations may still be susceptible to Eastern Filbert Blight, modern cultivars have been bred to offer resistance to this disease. As the seasons change, these cultivars produce small, thick-shelled nuts in the fall, providing a bountiful harvest for those who cultivate them.
Standing tall at around 18 feet, this species is a notable feature of many forests and woodlands.
Beaked Hazel
The beaked hazel, a native plant of Northern US and southern Canada, as well as the Pacific Northwest and New England regions, has faced significant challenges in recent decades. The devastating effects of Eastern Filbert Blight have led to quarantines in certain areas of the US. However, with the development of disease-resistant varieties, these issues are being addressed. This compact tree typically grows to a height of 12 feet, making it an ideal choice for container gardens as well.
Its ripening period falls in August.
Bush
The bush hazel may be a compact shrub that yields diminutive nuts, but its aesthetic appeal extends beyond its edible offerings. In the fall season, this petite variety transforms into a vibrant display of color. Measuring up to 10 feet in height, it can be pruned to maintain a more modest size of around 6 feet. Additionally, its versatility allows for successful cultivation in containers, providing a beautiful and bountiful option for even the smallest of spaces.
McDonald
Oregon State University has recently introduced this plant, bred to offer enhanced resistance to blight and mold. One of its key benefits is the rapid production of medium-sized nuts – you can expect to see a yield within just 2-3 years of planting. Moreover, the nut-to-shell ratio is exceptionally high, making it a valuable addition to any orchard or garden. This plant’s mature height reaches up to 12 feet and typically ripens in September.
Epsilon
From the esteemed Oregon State University comes another notable cultivar, boasting impressive resilience against the notorious Eastern Filbert Blight. This particular variety boasts a mature height of 12 feet, with a harvest period unfolding in September.
Hall’s Giant
Despite its modest height of around 10 feet, this hazelnut variety is notable for producing substantial fruits. While it exhibits some hardiness in the face of poor weather conditions, it does benefit from a bit of shade in extremely sunny areas to thrive. Notably, it ripens in August. A unique feature of this hazelnut species is its ability to grow without the need for a second tree to provide pollination, although yields may be slightly reduced as a result.
Wepster
The Wepster cultivar is ideal for growing hazelnuts specifically for dessert purposes. Developed by the baking industry, it excels at producing a bountiful yield of medium-sized nuts with a desirable shape and flavor profile. Additionally, this cultivar boasts resistance to Eastern Filbert Blight, making it a reliable choice for growers.
Wepster hazelnut trees typically reach a mature height of 8-12 feet and ripen in September, making them an excellent option for those looking to cultivate delicious nuts for sweet treats.
Tonda di Giffoni
The European cultivar is renowned for producing delectable, rounded nuts that are highly sought after. As one of its standout features, this variety blooms early in the season, with ripened fruits typically available from August to September. Standing at approximately 12 feet tall, it’s a robust and impressive specimen.
Hazelberts
Fred Ashworth, a skilled plant breeder, played a crucial role in the development of the hazelbert. By crossing the American hazelnut with the larger European filberts, he aimed to create a more resilient and productive variety. The resulting trees are compact, reaching heights of 8-12 feet, and are known for their bushy growth habit. A notable feature of the hazelbert is its impressive nut production – each plant can yield gallons of delicious nuts annually.
However, it’s essential to note that hazelberts require cross-pollination, making it necessary to plant multiple trees together.
Growing Hazelnuts
Zones
Hazelnuts thrive in a relatively broad range of climates, with suitable growing conditions found in USDA zones 4 through 9. In fact, certain varieties can tolerate even harsher winters and be successfully cultivated in zone 3. While hazelnuts are generally hardy, they do have one notable vulnerability: extreme cold during the blooming period. Temperatures below 15°F (−9°C) may result in significant crop loss if not carefully managed.
Soil Needs
Hazelnuts exhibit remarkable adaptability, thriving in a range of soil types from loamy to clay-based conditions. However, they struggle in peaty or overly wet environments. It’s essential to avoid extremely nutrient-rich soils, as this can lead hazelnut trees to prioritize leaf growth over fruit production. As the plants mature, they develop drought tolerance and prefer well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
Sunlight
Hazelnut trees possess an adaptable nature when it comes to light exposure, allowing them to thrive in environments with moderate shade, particularly in regions characterized by intense heat and dryness. While they do require a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight per day to optimize fruit production, the availability of sunlight plays a significant role in determining the yield of hazelnuts. In fact, the more shaded the area, the lower the likelihood of a bountiful harvest.
When to Plant
When it comes to transplanting hazelnut trees, timing is everything. For optimal results, plant them during early to late winter when they’re dormant and unlikely to be shocked by heat. This allows the tree to establish a strong foundation without the stress of warm temperatures. If you’re growing hazelnuts from seed, fall is an ideal time for planting. You can either do it outdoors or indoors, making sure the seeds get the right conditions to germinate and grow.
Hazelnut trees are known for their relatively rapid growth rate, with some varieties increasing in height by as much as 13-24 inches per year, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.
Growing From Seeds
Growing hazelnuts from seeds is a rewarding experience that requires some patience and planning. To get started, plant the nuts in a 6-inch pot filled with potting soil or directly in your garden at least 15 feet apart. Before planting, score the seeds by lightly scratching the outer coat with a file to enhance germination rates. For optimal results, plant seeds in the fall and protect them during the winter using a thick layer of mulch or a cold frame.
Alternatively, you can start seedlings in pots indoors or in a greenhouse, providing protection from harsh weather conditions. Keep in mind that hazelnuts take several months to germinate, so be prepared to wait. Once the seedling reaches 8-10 inches tall, it’s ready for transplantation. While growing hazelnuts from seeds may not produce immediate results, with proper care and patience, you can expect your trees to become productive within 7-8 years.
Growing From Suckers or Runners
Growing hazelnuts can also be achieved through propagation from wild thicket or a friend’s sharing. Underground runners and suckers are ideal for this method. Once the tree goes dormant in late fall, carefully dig up a sucker with its roots intact, or extract a runner with attached roots. Prepare a bed by mixing your existing soil with peat or sphagnum moss, vermiculite, and potting soil to create an airy blend.
A general ratio for this mixture is two parts of moss to one part vermiculite, added to five parts of existing soil and five parts potting soil. Plant the roots approximately 12 inches below the topsoil line, then heap soil around any stems that protrude above ground. Finally, ensure thorough watering.
Growing From Transplants
When planting hazelnuts, many gardeners opt for seedlings from a nursery, which typically range in height from one to three feet tall. For optimal growth, space these young trees at least 20 feet apart and position them in full sun. Begin by digging a large hole that’s at least twice the size of the root ball, allowing the roots to establish themselves easily. As you excavate, consider removing the top layer of soil, rich in grass and weed roots, which can be composted to replenish your pile.
Next, combine peat moss and potting soil with the existing earth to enhance water retention and drainage, if necessary. If you’re working with heavy clay soils, a dash of sand can also prove beneficial, as hazelnuts thrive in well-drained conditions. Carefully set the seedling into its new home, taking care not to plant it too deeply – hazelnut roots prefer to grow near the surface. Once settled, refill the hole and press the soil firmly with your feet to dispel any air pockets.
Finally, give the young tree a generous soaking to ensure it’s well-hydrated and set for a strong start.
How to Care for Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts boast a reputation for being low-maintenance and straightforward to tend to. While they can tolerate some drought, their growth is generally optimized when they receive consistent hydration. In fact, providing around 1 inch of water every 10 days tends to keep them in prime condition.
Pollination
Hazelnut bushes are a sight to behold in spring, as they produce yellowish male catkins and tiny red female flowers on the same plant. This phenomenon occurs early in the season, typically around mid-March in the Midwest, with leaves emerging several weeks later. The early flowering means that wind takes over the role of pollination, eliminating the need for bees or butterflies to be present, as well as any manual pollination efforts.
Despite producing both male and female flowers, hazelnuts still require cross-pollination from another plant; therefore, it’s essential to either plant them in pairs or ensure a nearby neighbor has some hazelnut plants. As the plant leaves out, nut clusters, or burrs, begin to form, containing anywhere from one to twelve nuts inside. These nuts mature within the burr and are ripe for harvesting come fall.
Shaping
Hazelnuts are capable of growing into a shrub by nature, but with some pruning, you can coax them into a tree shape. To achieve this, identify six sturdy branches near the top of the bush and remove any growth below them, as well as low-hanging branches. In their natural state, hazelnuts require minimal pruning. Instead, focus on removing suckers that emerge from the roots and thinning out the bush evenly during the winter months when it’s dormant.
This approach will help maintain a balanced appearance while allowing your hazelnut plant to thrive.
Fertilizing
When it comes to fertilizing your trees in spring, it’s essential to provide them with the right nutrients. A good approach is to use well-rotted organic matter or a balanced fertilizer that can be applied directly into the drip line of the tree, making sure not to overdo it on one spot. If you’re using granular fertilizer, make sure to mix it into the soil surrounding the tree’s root zone.
As a general rule of thumb, use about 2 pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil to avoid overwhelming the tree with too many nutrients.
Common Hazelnut Pests and Diseases
Nut Weevils
Hazelnut trees are plagued by a pesky insect called the nut weevil. These small brown beetles are found throughout the United States and can cause significant damage to developing kernels. One way to identify their presence is to look for tiny holes drilled into the side of the nuts. To control the infestation, it’s essential to rake up fallen fruits in the fall and spray the area with an insecticide in the spring.
It’s crucial to regularly collect the hazelnuts daily to prevent the weevils from escaping and burrowing into the soil. If they do manage to get into the soil, they’ll overwinter before re-emerging in the spring to lay eggs in your hazelnut crop.
European Filbert Blight
Hazelnuts are vulnerable to Eastern Filbert Blight, a fungal disease that has ravaged orchards in the Pacific Northwest. This insidious condition causes infected branches to wither and shed their leaves, eventually giving rise to telltale bumps on twigs that release spores in mid-summer or late July. Left unchecked, the blight can ultimately prove fatal to the bush. To identify infested plants, monitor for cankers forming on branch tips.
While it’s possible to control the fungus with regular anti-fungal applications, a more proactive approach is to start with cultivars that are naturally resistant to this scourge, thereby avoiding any future headaches.
Filbertworm
A lesser-known threat to hazelnut health is the filbertworm, a pest that shares some similarities with the notorious nut weevil. Like its counterpart, the filbertworm burrows into the shell of the hazelnut, causing damage and potentially compromising the nut’s integrity. Fortunately, the control methods for these two pests are quite similar.
Hazelnut Mosaic
While hazelnut mosaic disease can lead to symptoms like leaf yellowing, it’s also known to impact crop yields. Fortunately, thermotherapy has been proven to be a highly effective treatment option for this viral issue.
Aphids
Hazelnuts are susceptible to pest attacks from Filbert or Hazelnut aphids, tiny insects that feed on the leaves and husks of the plant. This feeding behavior can result in reduced nut fill and size. While light infestations may not significantly impact the plant’s productivity, heavy infestations require prompt action. To address these pests, you can employ a strong stream of water to manually remove them or resort to using an insecticidal spray.
In severe cases, introducing Trioxys pallidus, a parasitic wasp that naturally controls aphids populations, may be necessary.
Tent Caterpillar
The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to the pesky tent caterpillar, whose presence has a significant impact on hazelnuts and other tree species in the region. A telltale sign of their presence are the large egg masses that can be found clinging to twigs. To mitigate the issue, homeowners can opt for a hands-on approach by manually removing the egg masses or using a strong jet of water to dislodge them.
Once removed, it’s crucial to properly dispose of any collected egg masses to prevent re-infestation.
Other Pests
Hazelnuts, like many nut trees, are susceptible to various diseases. Root rot, powdery mildew, bacterial blight, and cankers are all potential threats to their health. With over 300 cultivars of hazelnut available, it’s essential to consider the pests prevalent in your region when choosing which variety to grow. Opt for one that has natural resistance to these common issues.
Best Companion Plants for Hazelnuts
When cultivating hazelnuts, consider incorporating nitrogen-fixing plants like crimson clover or white clover into your garden. These legumes can create a mutually beneficial relationship by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and providing nutrients to the hazelnut trees. Additionally, plant species that attract pollinators and improve soil quality like comfrey can enhance overall garden health.
Other suitable companion plants for hazelnuts include primrose, coriander, currant, asparagus, and garlic, which can provide a boost in flavor, nutrition, or pest resistance. On the other hand, certain plants should be avoided when growing hazelnuts, such as fennel, beets, and leeks, which may compete with the tree’s growth or harbor pests that target hazelnut.
Harvesting and Storing
Hazelnut trees typically take three to five years to mature and produce nuts. The harvesting period usually falls between August, September, and October, depending on your location and the specific variety. As the leaves and burrs start to change color, it’s time to start collecting.
If you’re not up for the task of hand-harvesting, you can let the nuts fall to the ground and rake them up every few days. Keep in mind that wildlife may get to your bounty before you do.
Alternatively, you can easily remove the nuts from the burrs by shaking the tree. Mature plants tend to yield around one to two gallons of nuts per bush or up to 20 pounds.
Once harvested, hazelnuts require a few days to dry before storage. You can spread them out on a tarp in the sun or on a rack indoors.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze your hazelnuts for up to six months. If you’re anything like me, they won’t last that long!
Roasting hazelnuts is a straightforward process. Simply lay them out still in their shells on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for thirty minutes. I like to give them a stir about halfway through the roasting time. Roasted nuts can be stored for up to two years.
Cooking
When it comes to cooking hazelnuts, the possibilities are endless. As a nutritious snack, hazelnuts can be enjoyed raw or roasted to bring out their rich flavors. These nuts boast an impressive array of essential nutrients, including 14 grams of protein per serving, making them a great addition to any meal. Hazelnuts are also an excellent source of B vitamins, with thiamine B1 and Niacin B3 being particularly abundant.
Additionally, they contain significant amounts of iron, magnesium, and Vitamin E, providing a whopping 21% of the recommended daily value. The omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids in hazelnuts also contribute to their heart-healthy profile, while their high fiber and antioxidant content – including proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to combat cancer – make them an excellent choice for maintaining overall well-being. One of my personal favorite ways to enjoy hazelnuts is as a breakfast treat.
I love mixing them with fruit and adding them to oatmeal for a nutritious start to the day that also satisfies my sweet tooth. On special occasions, like Sunday brunch, I like to top pancakes with roasted hazelnuts or pralines – a classic southern dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. To whip up some pralines, simply melt one tablespoon of butter in a pan and add 3/4 cup each of brown sugar and granulated sugar. Stir until dissolved, then add 3/4 cup cream and three tablespoons of butter.
Constantly stir the mixture as it melts and turns into a rich caramel color. Next, toss in your hazelnuts and bring the mixture to a soft boil, stirring occasionally. Once the syrup has reduced, scoop out the nuts and spread them on parchment paper to dry. Hazelnuts are also a great addition to salads, pasta dishes, or as a base for homemade nut butter – so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Other Hazelnut Uses
While the hazelnut plant may be most renowned for its edible nuts, its utility extends far beyond that singular aspect. In fact, having hazelnuts on your farm can prove advantageous in multiple ways.
Landscaping
Hazelnuts bring a unique charm to landscaping with their distinctive shape and show-stopping catkins that burst forth in the spring. The leaves themselves are a deep, rich green and boast a serrated edge, while the autumn foliage transforms into vibrant shades of red and orange. This deciduous tree’s attractive features extend beyond its visual appeal, as it forms a dense and impenetrable screen when used in hedgerows, growing neither too tall nor too wide to obstruct views or pathways.
Moreover, hazelnuts prove resilient against wind, making them an excellent choice for creating natural barriers or windbreaks.
Wood
With its rich history dating back to ancient times, hazelnut wood has been a versatile material for crafting various items. Its pliable branches make it an ideal choice for coppicing, which is essential for creating wattle fences and thatching spars. The tradition of using hazelnut wood in fencing extends not only across Europe but also into early America, where it played a significant role in shaping the region’s agricultural practices.
Leaves
Hazelnut leaves, often overlooked as a mere byproduct of harvesting nuts or pruning shrubs, can actually be harnessed to create an effective natural fertilizer for your garden. By repurposing these leaves as mulch, you’ll not only suppress weeds but also foster a healthier environment for plants to thrive, ultimately leading to more robust growth and a bountiful harvest.
Medicine
The hazelnut oil boasts impressive health benefits, with its ability to lower cholesterol levels and function as a potent antioxidant. However, the plant’s utility extends far beyond just the nuts. In fact, medicinal extracts derived from the leaves have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of sore throat or diarrhea when consumed orally. When applied topically, these same leaf extracts can provide relief from rashes, sunburn, and eczema alike.
Furthermore, research suggests that hazelnuts may also play a role in supporting heart health, offering yet another reason to incorporate this nutritious ingredient into your diet.
Animal Food
After pruning, you can utilize the resulting twigs as a nutritious snack for rabbits and goats. Cattle, on the other hand, tend to relish the leaves of hazelnut plants. The versatility, hardiness, and aesthetic appeal of hazelnuts make them an excellent addition to any garden. We’re eager to hear about your creative ways to incorporate these nuts into your recipes. Share your favorite hazelnut-based dishes in the comments section below!