Hazelnut

Hazelnuts prefer well-drained loam around pH 6.0–7.0 with moderate fertility and reliable moisture. Plant compatible pollinizers and locally disease-resistant stock, allowing several years for shrubs to establish before expecting useful nut crops.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Water deeply during establishment; adjust to rainfall and soil

Spacing

180 in

First harvest

3–5 years

Tips

• Choose at least two compatible cultivars with overlapping pollen shed and flower receptivity.
• Water deeply during dry spells and keep weeds away from establishing roots.
• Base fertilizer on soil tests and shoot growth rather than pushing lush growth with nitrogen.
• Remove unwanted suckers for a tree form and inspect stems for eastern filbert blight cankers.
• Collect nuts promptly as they loosen from their husks and fall, then dry them in a ventilated place.

Plant nursery stock in spring, or in fall where winters are mild, keeping the root flare at soil level and any graft above soil.