Hazelnut

Growing

Establishing a hazelnut shrub is a long-term investment in your landscape, as these woody plants thrive when integrated into hedgerows or woodland-style borders. When planting nursery stock or transplants, ensure your soil remains well-drained but consistently moist, aiming for a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Because this species is wind-pollinated, you will have much better success with nut production if you plant multiple shrubs near one another to allow the breeze to move pollen between flowers.

As the shrub matures, you may choose to employ traditional coppicing techniques, which involves cutting the stems back to the ground to encourage vigorous new growth and manageable height. This method was historically used to produce flexible poles for fencing and wattle construction. While the plant is hardy enough to withstand hard freezes, regular watering is essential during the establishment phase and throughout the growing season to prevent moisture stress.

Once the nuts reach maturity, harvest them when they are fully developed, as they will not continue to ripen once removed from the branch. For the best quality, keep your harvest unwashed to prevent moisture from triggering rot. To maintain their nutritional value and flavor, store your nuts in a cool, dark cellar or the refrigerator. If you prefer to use them in pastes or roasted dishes, you can also dry them for extended storage.