Growing Hazelnut Bushes: A Comprehensive Guide

Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, are a delightful nut crop that can be a valuable addition to your garden or orchard. With their sweet, nutty flavor and versatility in cooking, hazelnuts are a rewarding plant to grow. Here’s a guide to help you cultivate healthy hazelnut bushes in your garden.

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting hazelnut varieties, consider your climate and soil conditions. Hazelnuts thrive in temperate climates with well-draining soil. Some popular varieties include:

• American Hazelnut (Corylus americana): Native to North America, this variety is hardy and disease-resistant.

• European Hazelnut (Corylus avellana): Known for its high-quality nuts, it's ideal for milder climates.

• Hybrid Varieties: Crossbreeds like 'Tonda di Giffoni' offer benefits of both American and European types, often combining high yields with disease resistance.

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Hazelnuts prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where water might pool.

1. Soil Preparation: Improve soil fertility by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure. Ensure the soil is loose and well-draining to prevent root rot.

2. Planting Location: Choose a site that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Hazelnuts are self-incompatible, so plant at least two varieties close together to ensure good pollination.

Planting Hazelnut Bushes

1. Timing: Plant hazelnut bushes in the spring or fall. Spring planting allows the roots to establish before summer heat, while fall planting gives the roots a head start before winter.

2. Spacing: Space bushes 10 to 15 feet apart to accommodate their mature size. For hedgerows, space them 5 to 8 feet apart.

3. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the bush in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, tamping it gently to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Care and Maintenance

1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Newly planted bushes need regular watering to establish their roots. Once established, hazelnuts are relatively drought-tolerant.

2. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of nut production.

3. Pruning: Prune hazelnut bushes annually to maintain their shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Early spring is the best time for pruning before new growth starts. Light pruning helps improve air circulation and light penetration, reducing the risk of disease.

Pollination and Nut Production

1. Pollination: Hazelnuts require cross-pollination between different varieties. Ensure you plant compatible varieties close to each other. Male catkins (flowering structures) and female flowers bloom at different times, so having multiple varieties increases the chance of successful pollination.

2. Nut Harvesting: Hazelnuts are ready for harvest in late summer to early fall when the husks turn brown and the nuts inside are hard. Harvest the nuts before they fall from the tree to avoid losing them to wildlife.

Pests and Diseases

Hazelnuts can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases:

• Pests: Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and hazelnut weevils. Regular monitoring and organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, can help manage these issues.

• Diseases: Hazelnuts may face diseases like Eastern Filbert Blight and powdery mildew. Choose resistant varieties and practice good garden hygiene, such as removing fallen leaves and pruning infected branches.

Benefits of Hazelnuts

1. Nutritional Value: Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which support heart health. They also provide a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins (particularly vitamin E and B vitamins), and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

2. Antioxidant Properties: Hazelnuts contain antioxidants like vitamin E and phytochemicals that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

3. Digestive Health: The fiber in hazelnuts aids in digestion and promotes gut health, helping to prevent constipation and support a healthy digestive system.

What You Can Do With Hazelnuts

1. Culinary Uses: Hazelnuts can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or ground. They add a delightful crunch and flavor to baked goods, granola, salads, and savory dishes. They are also used to make nut butters, spreads (like Nutella), and dairy-free milk.

2. Homemade Nut Butter: Blend roasted hazelnuts to create a creamy nut butter that can be used as a spread, dip, or ingredient in various recipes.

3. Nut Flour: Grind hazelnuts into flour for gluten-free baking or as a low-carb alternative in recipes.

4. Decorative Uses: Use hazelnuts in holiday decorations or as a natural element in floral arrangements.

Conclusion

Growing hazelnut bushes can be a rewarding endeavor, offering delicious nuts and beautiful foliage. By choosing the right varieties, preparing your soil, and providing proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest and add a touch of elegance to your garden. Whether you’re planting a few bushes in your backyard or establishing a larger nut grove, hazelnuts are a valuable addition to any garden or orchard. Enjoy the numerous benefits of these versatile nuts and explore the many ways you can incorporate them into your culinary creations. Happy planting!